The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

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How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle?
Through the physical, biological and carbonate pumps.
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How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the physical pump?
Through downwelling - cold dense water brings dissolved CO2 down to the deep ocean. The CO2 moves into slow-moving deep ocean currents for hundreds of years. Through upwelling - brings deep ocean currents to surface where dissolved CO2 is released.
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How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the biological pump?
Phytoplankton - organisms absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and bring it down into the ocean. When they decompose, CO2 is moved down to the deep ocean. Phytoplankton releases CO2 to the atmosphere when it respires.
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How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the carbonate pump?
When CO2 dissolve into the ocean, it reacts with a number of chemicals to form calcium carbonate. This is used by shell-building organisms. When they die and sink, CO2 moves the deep ocean. Shells reach the sea floor, creating limestone with plates
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How is biological carbon released into the atmosphere?
Through decomposition over several years.
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What are the costs of converting grasslands to farms?
Initial conversion/removal releases CO2. Annual ploughing allow soil bacteria to release CO2. Terrestrial store reduced.
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What are the effects to coral reefs due to ocean acidification?
The ocean absorbs 30% of the CO2 emissions released by humans and 50% of burning fossil fuels. As CO2 increases, the ocean becomes more acidic. Corals are unable to absorb alkaline calcium carbonate and begin to dissolve, releasing carbon.
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What are the benefits of grasslands?
It traps moisture and floodwater, absorbs toxins from soils, maintains healthy soils, provides habitats and acts as a carbon sink/terrestrial store.
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How are coral reefs beneficial to the world?
They provide shelter for 25% of marine species, they support and provide income for fishing industries and tourism.
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How can you use the Kuznet's curve in evaluation?
Countries with higher GDP per capita produce a lower level of environmental degradation. This may be due to renewable resources or increased awareness of the consequences. Also, as there is less manufacturing as the countries move towards services.
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What are some feedback mechanisms?
Peatlands, Permafrost, the tipping point and alternations to the thermohaline circulation.
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How are peatlands affected by global warming?
Global warming causes peatlands to dry out as water tables fall, increasing decomposition, reducing biological carbon and heightening atmospheric carbon.
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How is permafrost affected by global warming?
Permafrost melts due to rising temperature, increasing atmospheric carbon and methane. Thus, worsening the greenhouse gas effect.
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Name 5 mitigation strategies used to reduce CO2 emissions/global warming.
Carbon taxation, energy efficiency, afforestation, renewable energy and carbon capture storage.
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How is carbon capture storage beneficial?
CO2 is captured from coal-fired power stations. Then transported to be compressed into a liquid and stored in an injection well. Reducing emissions. However, very expensive and can cause minor earthquakes if released from the liquid.
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Name an alternate option to petrol fuelled cars.
Hydrogen-fuel cell cars - converts hydrogen to electricity with water as the only by product.
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Give 4 adaption strategies for global warming.
Water conservation and management, land-use planning and flood-risk management, solar radiation management and agriculture systems (no ploughing as it creates unhealthy soil and uses large amounts of water).
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How is water conservation and management used?
Through smart water - water drips onto plants reducing wastage and evaporation. Recycling water sewage/grey water for agriculture. Reducing agriculture consumption.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the physical pump?

Back

Through downwelling - cold dense water brings dissolved CO2 down to the deep ocean. The CO2 moves into slow-moving deep ocean currents for hundreds of years. Through upwelling - brings deep ocean currents to surface where dissolved CO2 is released.

Card 3

Front

How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the biological pump?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How does the ocean regulate the carbon cycle through the carbonate pump?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How is biological carbon released into the atmosphere?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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