EARTHSC 2GG3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Carbon Cycle, Photosynthesis, Hydrosphere
29 Dec 2019
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Document Summary
Very little co2 and high amounts of n2 and o2 comparatively. Vegetation undergoes photosynthesis to convert the carbon into food source o2 is a byproduct. Changes in earth"s atmosphere are caused by life. Atmospheric carbon goes into oceans or is used up in photosynthesis. Large amounts of carbon which are contained in oceanic sediments. Burning of organic material and decay releases some carbon back into atmosphere. Extraction as fossil fuels and burning releases the carbon back into the atmosphere, has not been there for millions of years. Throughout history there has been a large natural variation in the average mean temperatures. Patterns of warming and cooling have changed rapidly over the past million years. Differences lead to glacier advancement and retreat. There have been times in human history where there is no permanent ice. Humans evolved within an ice age (approximately 200 000 years) on the planet. Eccentricity: changes in the shape of orbit, 100 000 year cycle.
