How do volcanoes transfer water and carbon?
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How do volcanoes transfer water and carbon?
Volcanic eruptions transfer water and carbon from the lithosphere to the atmosphere.
Define ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification is when pH levels decrease due to increased levels of absorbed CO2.
True or False?
Water cannot absorb carbon dioxide.
False.
Water has the ability to absorb and transfer CO2 .
What effect are changes in the carbon cycle having on parts of the cryosphere?
Changes in the carbon cycle are melting parts of the cryosphere (permafrost), releasing more carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
True or False?
Water vapour contributes more to the overall natural greenhouse effect than CO2.
True.
Water vapour contributes 55% to the natural greenhouse effect, while CO2 contributes 20%.
What effect do limits on water have on carbon cycling in ecosystems?
Ecosystems play a key role in carbon cycling and the availability of moisture for plant and animal distribution and growth is important.
Any limits on water reduce plant growth, which reduces carbon cycling and the transfer of nutrients back to the soil; a lack of nutrients and water exposes the soil to erosion; soil erosion can lead to desertification.
Define thermohaline circulation.
Thermohaline circulation is the global ocean circulation pattern driven by differences in temperature and salinity of water masses.
What does the albedo effect mean?
The albedo effect refers to a surface's reflectivity, particularly how much sunlight (solar radiation) the Earth's surface reflects.
Define the term feedback loop?
A feedback loop is a type of chain reaction where one process leads to another process, leading to another process, etc.
True or False?
Feedback mechanisms to maintain dynamic equilibrium are all positive.
False.
While all of Earth's systems have feedback mechanisms to maintain dynamic equilibrium, they are not all positive. Balance is achieved through both negative and positive feedback.
Define the term tipping point.
A tipping point is when an effect or changing process reaches a point of no return.
True or False?
Negative feedback pushes systems to their tipping points.
False.
Positive feedback pushes systems to their tipping points.
With regard to the carbon cycle, state one negative feedback loop due to a warming atmosphere.
With regard to the carbon cycle, an example of a negative feedback loop is that warmer temperatures extends the plant growing season. This increases carbon absorption from the atmosphere and increases the carbon sink in the soil.
How does melting permafrost act as a positive feedback loop?
Melting permafrost acts as a positive feedback loop because methane is released into the atmosphere. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Currently, the permafrost stores hundreds of gigatons of methane.
What is permafrost?
Permafrost is ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years and is typically found in polar regions.
True or False?
Carbon dioxide alone is responsible for the natural greenhouse effect.
False.
The natural greenhouse effect is generated by multiple factors, including water vapour, carbon dioxide, trace gases, aerosols, and clouds.
True or False?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can catch up to 90% of CO2 emissions.
True.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions.
Define the term carbon sequestration.
Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
What is agroforestry?
Agroforestry is the practice of growing trees alongside crops or pasture to increase carbon absorption and provide other environmental benefits.
Define peatlands.
Peatlands are thick organic soils that are low in oxygen and high in water, which inhibit microbial decomposition of plant litter allowing for thick organic layers to build up.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 that committed industrialised countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
True or False?
The Paris Climate Convention set a goal to limit average global temperature increase to 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels.
False.
The Paris Climate Convention set a goal to limit average global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
What is carbon farming?
Carbon farming is replacing one type of crop with another that absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere, such as legumes and grasses.
Define the term cap and trade.
Cap and trade is a system where governments set a limit (cap) on the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted and allow companies to buy and sell (trade) emission allowances.
True or False?
Grasslands can sequester approximately 810 million tonnes of CO2 globally.
True.
Grasslands can sequester approximately 810 million tonnes of CO2 globally.
What is zero tillage?
Zero tillage is a farming practice that involves minimal or no disturbance of the soil to reduce carbon release and maintain soil quality.