P2U2 05 Climate Change and the Carbon Cycle

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, living organisms, rocks, fossil fuels, and the ocean.

Front

How does climate change affect carbon in the cryosphere?

Back

Climate change causes permafrost to thaw, leading to the decomposition of peat and release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Front

What are methane hydrates and their significance?

Back

Methane hydrates are large quantities of methane stored on the ocean floor and within permafrost. Their release due to warming acts as a strong positive feedback mechanism for climate change.

Front

How do oceans act as a carbon sink?

Back

Oceans absorb CO2 directly, use it for marine organisms' shells, and through algae photosynthesis, which forms carbon-rich mud.

Front

What impact does warming have on oceanic carbon absorption?

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Rising ocean temperatures reduce the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2, potentially leading to the release of stored CO2.

Front

How do plants contribute to carbon storage?

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Plants capture atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis, absorbing about 25% of human-produced CO2.

Front

What are the effects of higher temperatures on forests?

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Higher temperatures can lead to increased evaporation, forest fires, and tree pests, all of which release stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of algae in the carbon cycle?

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Algae use CO2 for photosynthesis, and when they die, they sink to the ocean floor, forming carbon-rich mud that can become chalk and limestone.

Front

What happens to carbon stored in dead trees?

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Dead trees release stored carbon back into the atmosphere and cease to absorb CO2.