Understanding the Carbon Cycle

The video explores the carbon cycle, detailing how carbon moves through Earth's reservoirs, including the geosphere, ocean, and atmosphere. It distinguishes between the slow and fast carbon cycles, explaining processes like chemical weathering and photosynthesis. Human activities, such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, disrupt these cycles, leading to increased atmospheric carbon and climate change. The video emphasizes the importance of balancing carbon levels and suggests small actions to mitigate human impact.

What is the primary element that forms the basis of life and is central to the carbon cycle?

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

• Nitrogen

In the slow carbon cycle, what process involves the dissolution of rocks by carbonic acid?

• Evaporation

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

• Chemical Weathering

Which organisms are crucial in the fast carbon cycle for converting carbon dioxide into organic matter?

• Bacteria

• Insects

• Fungi

• Phytoplankton

How does the fast carbon cycle affect atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during different seasons?

• Levels are highest in summer

• Levels rise in winter and fall in spring

• Levels rise in spring and fall in winter

• Levels remain constant

What is one major human activity that disrupts the carbon cycle by removing carbon sinks?

• Mining

• Fishing

• Urbanization

• Deforestation

What is the effect of burning fossil fuels on the carbon cycle?

• It has no effect

• It accelerates the release of carbon into the atmosphere

• It slows down the carbon cycle

• It reduces atmospheric carbon dioxide

What percentage of extra atmospheric carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean and plants?

• 55%

• 25%

• 75%

• 95%

What is a potential consequence of increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere?

• Decreased global temperatures

• Increased ocean acidity

• Stabilized weather patterns

• Reduced plant growth

What is one simple action individuals can take to positively impact the carbon cycle?

• Use more plastic

• Increase car usage

• Cut down trees

• Plant a garden

Why are greenhouse gases important for Earth?

• They have no effect on Earth's climate

• They help maintain Earth's temperature

• They make Earth a frozen wasteland

• They only cause global warming