Carbon Cycle Quiz

What is the carbon cycle?

Answer explanation

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, helping regulate Earth's climate.

Explain the role of carbon in earth’s life systems.

Answer explanation

Carbon is essential for life on Earth as it forms the basis of organic molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It cycles through the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms in processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

Describe the processes involved in the biochemical carbon cycle.

Answer explanation

The processes involved in the biochemical carbon cycle include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

How is carbon stored in the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere?

Answer explanation

Carbon is stored in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, in the oceans as dissolved carbon, and in the biosphere through photosynthesis and organic matter.

How can intensive farming practices impact carbon stores and fluxes?

Answer explanation

Intensive farming practices can impact carbon stores and fluxes by increasing carbon emissions through deforestation, soil degradation, and the use of synthetic fertilizers.

What are some methods to achieve carbon neutrality or a negative carbon budget in farming?

Answer explanation

Implementing regenerative agriculture practices, reducing tillage, using cover crops, planting trees, optimizing fertilizer use, and adopting renewable energy sources can help achieve carbon neutrality or a negative carbon budget in farming.

Discuss the importance of soil organic material (SOM) in carbon storage.

Answer explanation

Soil organic material (SOM) plays a crucial role in carbon storage as it acts as a reservoir for carbon, helping to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

How do forests contribute to stabilizing soils and regulating climate?

Answer explanation

Forests stabilize soils by preventing erosion and regulating climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.

What are the impacts of deforestation on global carbon budgets?

Answer explanation

Deforestation leads to the release of stored carbon in trees, contributing to increased greenhouse gas levels and global warming.

What are the effects of reduced plankton growth on CO₂ storage in oceans?

Answer explanation

Reduced plankton growth leads to less CO₂ absorption in oceans, impacting the storage of CO₂ in marine ecosystems.