estimated major stores of carbon on the earth 5.2.1 the carbon cycle carbon exists in many forms:...
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Estimated major stores of carbon on the Earth
5.2.1 The Carbon CycleCarbon exists in many forms:
•Atmospheric gases (CO2 and
methane)
•Dissolved CO2 in aquatic
ecosystems
•Organic carbon in living
organisms
•Carbon deposits in the
lithosphere, as minerals
(carbonates) or fossil fuels.What are the sources of atmospheric CO2?
What is the sink of atmospheric CO2?
Which processes return C to the lithosphere?
Respiration, Decomposition, Diffusion, burning of fossil fuels (combustion)
Producers and fossil fuels - photosynthesis, some diffusion into aquatic systems
Decomposition of organic matter, marine deposits of carbonates
5.2.1 The Carbon Cycle
5.2.2 Analyse the change in concentration of atmospheric CO2 using historical records
5.2.2 Analyse the change in concentration of atmospheric CO2 using historical records
These measurements indicate a rise in annual average atmospheric CO2 concentrations, from 354.07 parts per million by volume (ppmv) in 1992 to 378.50 ppmv in 2006, or an increase of almost 1.75 ppmv per year, on average.
5.2.3 Relationship between CO2 and other gases and the enhanced greenhouse effect
5.2.3 Relationship between CO2 and other gases and the enhanced greenhouse effect
Elevated levels of greenhouse gases are strongly correlated with an enhanced
greenhouse effect:
Although we see correlation, where do scientist find the evidence for a causal relationship?
As levels of CO2, methane, water
vapour and oxides of nitrogen
increase, more radiation is reflected
back to Earth instead of being lost to
space.
5.2.3 Relationship between CO2 and other gases and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
5.2.3 Relationship between CO2 and other gases and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Which gases in the table have the potential to cause the most damage?
5.2.4 Outline the precautionary principle
5.2.5 Evaluate the precautionary principle
5.2.6 Consequences of a global temperature rise on arctic ecosystems.
•Increased rates of decomposition of detritus previously trapped in
permafrost,
•Expansion of the range of habitats available to
•Temperate species,
•Loss of ice habitat,
•Changes in distribution of prey species affecting higher trophic levels
•Increased success of pest species, including pathogens
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