Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

• What is the physical loop in thermohaline circulation?

  • Cold water absorbs CO₂ and sinks into deep oceans.
  • Warm water releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
• What is the role of cold water in the biological carbon pump?

  • Cold water dissolves CO₂ and brings nutrients into the deep ocean.
• What happens to marine organisms after they die?

  • Their remains accumulate on the sea floor.
  • They form sediment and eventually become sedimentary rock.
• What is the significance of the carbonate pump?

  • It helps in the long-term storage of carbon in sedimentary rocks.
• How does chemical weathering contribute to the carbon cycle?

  • It releases ions that combine with bicarbonate to form calcium carbonate.
• What is the impact of subduction on carbon-rich rocks?

  • Subducted rocks release CO₂ when volcanoes erupt.
• What is the role of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle?

  • It removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and converts it into organic matter.
• What is the role of respiration in the carbon cycle?

  • It releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere.
• What is the role of decomposition in the carbon cycle?

  • It releases CO₂ into the soil.
• What is the role of combustion in the carbon cycle?

  • It releases CO₂ into the atmosphere from biomass and fossil fuels.
• What are the effects of thermohaline circulation on CO₂ concentrations?

  • CO₂ concentrations are higher in deep oceans.
• How does salinity affect seawater density?

  • Higher salinity increases seawater density, causing it to sink.
• What is the significance of the Southern Ocean in the carbon cycle?

  • It absorbs 25% of the world's CO₂.
• What is the relationship between temperature and CO₂ solubility in water?

  • Cold water absorbs more CO₂ than warm water.
• What is the role of phytoplankton in the carbon cycle?

  • They perform photosynthesis, fixing carbon into organic matter.
• How does the biological carbon pump function?

  • It transports carbon from the surface to the deep ocean through biological processes.
• What is the impact of temperature on the biological carbon pump?

  • Warm water releases CO₂, while cold water absorbs it.
• What is the significance of the carbonate pump in the ocean?

  • It helps sequester carbon in the ocean floor sediments.
• What is the role of zooplankton in the carbon cycle?

  • They consume phytoplankton and release CO₂ back into the water.
• How does human activity impact the carbon cycle?

  • Fossil fuel combustion increases atmospheric CO₂ levels.
• What are the consequences of increased atmospheric CO₂?

  • It leads to climate change and ocean acidification.
• What is the significance of carbon sequestration?

  • It reduces atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigates climate change.
• What is the role of sedimentation in the carbon cycle?

  • It helps store carbon in sedimentary rocks over time.
• What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

  • It reduces carbon storage and increases atmospheric CO₂.
• How does agriculture affect the carbon cycle?

  • It can increase CO₂ emissions through soil disturbance and land use change.
• What is the role of wetlands in the carbon cycle?

  • They act as carbon sinks, storing carbon in biomass and soil.
• How does urbanization impact the carbon cycle?

  • It increases carbon emissions through energy consumption and land use change.
• What is the significance of carbon trading in climate policy?

  • It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing trading of carbon credits.
• How does climate change affect the carbon cycle?

  • It alters carbon fluxes and storage in various ecosystems.
• What is the role of education in addressing carbon cycle issues?

  • It raises awareness and promotes sustainable practices to mitigate carbon emissions.
• What is the impact of ocean currents on the carbon cycle?

  • They influence the distribution and storage of carbon in the ocean.
• What is the process of photosynthesis also known as?

  Phytosynthesis
• What do plants use sunlight for in photosynthesis?

  To fix carbon dioxide into organic matter
• What do small organisms in the ocean make?

  Shells
• What is the biological carbon pump?

  • Cold water dissolves CO₂
  • Brings nutrients and CO₂ into the deep ocean
  • Warm water releases CO₂ but is rich in plankton
  • Dead organisms settle and become sedimentary rock
• What does cold water do in the biological carbon pump?

  Dissolves CO₂
• What happens to warm water in the biological carbon pump?

  It releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere
• What is the carbonate pump?

  Formation of sedimentary rock from shells
• What is the physical loop (thermohaline circulation)?

  • Cold water absorbs CO₂ and sinks
  • Warm water releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere
  • Involves surface flow, deep flow, and bottom flow
• What percentage of CO₂ does the Southern Ocean absorb?

  25%