2.2

• Why is carbon essential for life on Earth?

  It provides the building blocks for life and helps regulate the Earth's climate.
• Where is carbon stored on Earth?

  In rocks, plants, oceans, and the atmosphere.
• What are other terms used for carbon stores?

  Pools, stocks, or reservoirs.
• What does "flux" mean in the context of the carbon cycle?

  The movement or transfer of carbon between different stores.
• What do fluxes between carbon stores create?

  Cycles and feedback mechanisms.
• What does the geological carbon cycle do?

  It transfers carbon between land, ocean, and atmosphere.
• Is the geological carbon cycle usually balanced?

  Yes, there is generally a balance between carbon production and absorption.
• What are short-term disruptions in the geological cycle followed by?

  A return to equilibrium over time.
•  How is geological carbon (in rocks) formed?

  From the formation of sedimentary carbonate rocks like limestone in oceans.
• Where is biologically derived carbon stored?

  In sedimentary rocks such as shale and coal.
• How is equilibrium between carbon stores maintained?

  Slowly, through natural processes like outgassing and chemical weathering.
• What is outgassing in the carbon cycle?

  The release of terrestrial carbon from the mantle into the atmosphere via volcanic eruptions.
• What is chemical weathering and how does it affect carbon?

  Atmospheric CO₂ combines with rainwater to form weak carbonic acid, which dissolves carbon-rich rocks and helps remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.
• What happens to the carbon removed during chemical weathering?

  It's transported as bicarbonates and eventually deposited on the ocean floor.
• What does "biogeochemical carbon cycle" refer to?

  The movement of carbon controlled by both biological and chemical processes.
• Why are living organisms important to the carbon cycle?

  They regulate storage, release, transfer, and absorption of carbon.
• What are the four key processes in the biogeochemical carbon cycle?

  Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.
• What is the fastest carbon flux process?

  Photosynthesis and respiration, which can occur in seconds.
• What can happen to buried organic material over time?

  It can transform into sedimentary rock or hydrocarbons like oil or gas.
• What factors speed up the carbon cycle?

  Sunlight, temperature, and moisture. carbon can remain in soil as dead organic matter for years