Oceanic Carbon Cycle and Sequestration

Carbon sequestration involves isolating CO2 from the atmosphere through various processes. Human activities disrupt the natural carbon cycle by adding CO2 and hindering natural sinks like forests. Understanding sources and sinks is crucial, with sources being processes that release CO2, such as fossil fuel burning, and sinks being processes that remove CO2, like photosynthesis. The ocean, covering 70% of the Earth, is a major carbon sink but faces challenges like increased acidity harming marine life. Enhancing oceanic sequestration through methods like iron fertilization can help reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

What is the primary way human activities disrupt the natural carbon cycle?

• By enhancing photosynthesis

• By adding CO2 to the atmosphere

• By reducing fossil fuel use

• By increasing the number of trees

Which of the following is a natural carbon sink?

• Photosynthesis

• Human respiration

• Combustion

• Burning fossil fuels

What is a major consequence of increased CO2 levels in the ocean?

• Increased ocean salinity

• Decreased ocean temperature

• Increased marine biodiversity

• Ocean acidification

How does ocean acidification affect marine life?

• It reduces ocean temperature

• It makes shellfish shells more prone to dissolve

• It enhances coral reef growth

• It increases fish population

What is the final form of CO2 when it dissolves in seawater?

• Calcium carbonate

• Bicarbonate

• Carbonic acid

• Carbon monoxide

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

• 70%

• 60%

• 80%

• 50%

Why are oceans considered the largest natural carbon sink?

• They absorb most of the carbon emitted into the atmosphere

• They release more CO2 than they absorb

• They have no impact on the carbon cycle

• They cover a small portion of the Earth

What is one method to enhance oceanic carbon sequestration?

• Reducing oceanic plant growth

• Adding iron to nutrient-poor areas

• Encouraging phytoplankton blooms

• Decreasing photosynthesis

How can photosynthetic organisms help reduce atmospheric CO2?

• By releasing more CO2

• By decreasing oceanic plant growth

• By absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen

• By increasing ocean acidity

What is the role of iron in oceanic carbon sequestration?

• It reduces marine biodiversity

• It increases ocean salinity

• It promotes phytoplankton growth

• It decreases ocean temperature