Unit 4: Climate Change & Human Impacts

The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which _____.

• the carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.

• the carbon is locked in rocks without any exchange with the atmosphere.

• the carbon circulates only within the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

• the carbon is confined solely to terrestrial plants and animals.

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Carbon is exchanged among Earth's spheres (biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere) through various processes including

• It is exchanged only through photosynthesis and respiration.

• It is exchanged through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and sedimentation.

• It is exchanged only through geological processes.

• It is exchanged solely in the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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Combustion is a chemical process that burns fuel and excessively releases which substance into the atmosphere?

• Carbon dioxide

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Water vapor

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The carbon cycle interacts in the biosphere through four main processes:

• Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and oceanic absorption.

• Photosynthesis, respiration, mineral weathering, and evaporation.

• Respiration, decomposition, volcanic activity, and oceanic absorption.

• Decomposition, photosynthesis, glaciation, and sedimentation.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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Three ways the carbon cycle interacts in the geosphere include:

• Burial in sediments, volcanic emissions, and weathering processes

• Photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition

• Leaching, run-off, and groundwater recharge

• Erosion, sedimentation, and metamorphism

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Explain TWO processes through which carbon is cycled in the hydrosphere.

• Diffusion of CO2 from the atmosphere into the ocean; formation of carbonic acid in water

• Photosynthesis by marine algae using dissolved CO2; sedimentation of organic carbon

• Carbon release through decomposition of marine organisms; limestone formation from calcium carbonate

• None of the above

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The three gases necessary for life found in the atmosphere are:

• Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide

• Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Argon

• Oxygen, Helium, and Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Argon

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Living organisms depend on the atmosphere because it provides:

• It provides oxygen, regulates temperature, and offers protection.

• It only provides oxygen.

• It only regulates temperature.

• It only offers protection.

The greenhouse effect is defined as the process by which certain gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Select the statement that correctly describes the greenhouse effect and its causes.

• It is a process where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat, with causes including both natural phenomena and human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

• It is a process where the Earth loses heat to space due to the absence of greenhouse gases.

• It describes the reflection of sunlight off the atmospheric layers with no role for human activities.

• It refers to the trapping of heat exclusively by water vapor with no contribution from other gases or human activities.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Name the THREE main greenhouse gases and explain why they are called the “greenhouse gases.”

• Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide; They trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

• Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Argon; They are the most abundant gases in the atmosphere.

• Helium, Neon, and Krypton; They do not interact with infrared radiation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5