humans altering carbon cycle

Cards (12)

  • carbon dioxide and methane are examples of greenhouse gases. carbon dioxide is released from plants and animals during respiration and methane is released naturally and from cows burps
  • increased concentration of greenhouse gases means more radiation is absorbed, trapping the heat closer to earth - increasing temperature of the earth = greenhouse effect
  • greenhouse effect is important because without it the earth would be very cold and stuck in the Ice Age
  • the greenhouse effect has caused global temperatures and precipitation to increase due to factors like solar insulation. precipitation is increasing in the Americas but reducing in Africa
  • photosynthesis is important in regulating carbon levels in the atmosphere as organisms absorb sunlight and use it as energy to convert carbon dioxide
  • oceans photosynthesis is regulated by phytoplankton, and thrive in shallow, nutrient rich cold water
  • terrestrial photosynthesis is regulated by plants and thrives in dense vegetation like tropical rainforests
  • soil health is its ability to sustain plant and animal life effectively
  • organic matter influences soil health and its ability to provide for organisms and plant life because organic matter holds a lot of carbon, increasing soil fertility and moisture storage, allowing water to infiltrate into roots of plants
  • fossil fuel combustion has increased due to the increase in population and the increase in industrialisation (Industrial Revolution in UK in 18th century)
  • fossil fuels contain high amounts of carbon and when they combust chemical bonds releases heat energy, meaning concentrations of greenhouse gases rise at a faster rate to carbon sequestration adding to enhanced greenhouse effect
  • increased greenhouse gases leads to global warming which leads to implications for:
    • climate - wet areas get wetter, dry areas get drier
    • hydrological system
    • ecosystems - ocean acidification