P2U2 05 Climate Change and the Carbon Cycle

What is the carbon cycle?

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

• A method of carbon capture and storage in industrial processes.

• The cycle of carbon emissions from vehicles and factories.

• A natural phenomenon that occurs only in forests.

How does climate change affect carbon in the cryosphere?

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

• Climate change increases the amount of carbon stored in glaciers, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

• Climate change has no significant effect on carbon levels in the cryosphere.

• Climate change leads to the formation of new ice layers that trap carbon dioxide.

What are methane hydrates and their significance?

• Methane hydrates are large quantities of methane stored on the ocean floor and within permafrost, which can contribute to climate change when released.

• Methane hydrates are a type of renewable energy source found in deserts.

• Methane hydrates are small ice-like structures that store carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• Methane hydrates are a form of fossil fuel extracted from deep underground mines.

How do oceans act as a carbon sink?

• Oceans absorb CO2 directly and use it for marine organisms' shells.

• Oceans release CO2 into the atmosphere during storms.

• Oceans only store carbon in deep waters without any biological processes.

• Oceans filter out pollutants, which helps in reducing carbon levels.

What impact does warming have on oceanic carbon absorption?

• Rising ocean temperatures increase the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2.

• Rising ocean temperatures have no effect on the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2.

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

• Rising ocean temperatures enhance the ocean's ability to store CO2 in marine life.

How do plants contribute to carbon storage?

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

• Plants release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during respiration.

• Plants do not play a significant role in carbon storage.

• Plants only store carbon in their roots, not in their leaves or stems.

What is the role of algae in the carbon cycle?

• Algae use CO2 for photosynthesis and form carbon-rich mud when they die.

• Algae release oxygen into the atmosphere during photosynthesis.

• Algae absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy.

• Algae decompose organic matter and release carbon dioxide back into the water.

What happens to carbon stored in dead trees?

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

• Dead trees continue to absorb CO2 and store it indefinitely.

• Dead trees convert stored carbon into oxygen through photosynthesis.

• Dead trees decompose without affecting carbon levels in the atmosphere.

What are the effects of higher temperatures on forests?

• Increased rainfall and tree growth

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

• Decreased biodiversity and more wildlife

• Improved soil quality and nutrient availability