Earth's Systems and the Carbon Cycle

What drives Earth's surface geologic system processes?

• Flow of heat out of Earth

• Flow of electromagnetic radiation from the sun

• Flow of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Flow of water in the hydrosphere

What is the primary source of Earth's internal heat?

• Flow of heat from the sun

• Flow of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Flow of water in the hydrosphere

• Gradual radioactive decay of four isotopes

What determines whether Earth's surface temperature goes up or down over time?

• Net energy flow at Earth's surface

• Flow of heat out of Earth

• Flow of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Flow of water in the hydrosphere

What powers the water cycle and the erosion of land?

• Flow of heat out of Earth

• Flow of electromagnetic radiation from the sun

• Flow of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Flow of water in the hydrosphere

What drives the large-scale atmospheric currents that carry water vapor around the planet?

• Flow of heat out of Earth

• Flow of electromagnetic radiation from the sun

• Flow of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• Flow of water in the hydrosphere

What role does gravity play in the water cycle?

• It causes rain to fall and water to flow downhill

• It powers the water cycle

• It evaporates water from the surface

• It creates atmospheric currents

What is the average residence time of a raindrop in a river?

• A few days

• A few weeks

• A few months

• A few years

What is the primary process that plants use to create and store energy from the sun?

• Combustion

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Decay

What is the estimated amount of carbon stored in the biosphere?

• 550 million tons

• 550 billion tons

• 550 trillion tons

• 550 quadrillion tons

Which reservoir holds the most carbon in Earth's systems?

• Atmosphere

• Surface Ocean

• Land Vegetation

• Fossil Fuels