Mrs. Kim's Carbon cycle and Global warming

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What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. It involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

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How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

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Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to an increase in atmospheric carbon levels and contributing to global warming.

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What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

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Why is the increase of greenhouse gases a concern?

Back

The increase of greenhouse gases is a concern because it leads to climate change, which can cause extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems.

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What role do animals play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Animals contribute to the carbon cycle through respiration, which releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, and through decomposition after they die, which adds carbon to the soil.

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, effectively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

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How does burning fossil fuels impact the carbon cycle?

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Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and contributing to global warming.

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What is the significance of soil carbon?

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Soil carbon is important because it helps maintain soil health, supports plant growth, and plays a role in the global carbon cycle by storing carbon that would otherwise be in the atmosphere.

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What happens to carbon when trees are cut down?

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When trees are cut down, the carbon stored in their biomass is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to increased greenhouse gas levels.

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What is climate change?

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Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.