Unit 4: Carbon Cycle Flashcard

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. It involves processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Front

What is the primary sphere where humans are adding excess carbon?

Back

The atmosphere.

Front

What process releases carbon from living organisms back into the atmosphere?

Back

Respiration.

Front

What happens to carbon dioxide levels during periods of increased global temperatures?

Back

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase.

Front

Which sphere contains over 99% of carbon in the form of carbonates?

Back

The lithosphere.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, where most of the Earth's carbon is stored in the form of carbonates.

Front

What role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds, thus removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Front

What is respiration in the context of the carbon cycle?

Back

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert organic compounds back into carbon dioxide, releasing it into the atmosphere.

Front

What is combustion and how does it affect the carbon cycle?

Back

Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels or biomass, which releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere includes all the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor, and plays a role in the carbon cycle through processes like dissolution of carbon dioxide.