GEOG 131 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Carbon Cycle, Carbon Sink
Document Summary
Remember: molecules and energy interact by. Ice cores indicate that temperature and co2 changed together during ice advances. Carbon cycle: carbon sinks- storage of carbon in long lived trees via photosynthesis, limestone, buried organic matter, carbon sources- burning of fossil fuels, weathering of limestone, respiration. Photosynthesis: co2 + h2o > o2 + c6h12o6. Respiration: o2 + c6h12o6 > co2 + atp + heat. How do humans in uence the carbon cycle: fossil fuel use. Carbon dioxide- primary gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Burning adds it back to our atmosphere > big ux: cement production. Grinds carbonate rocks > produces c as a by-product: deforestation. Reduces carbon extracted from atmosphere (removes carbon sink) and releases carbon in the process: agriculture, methane production. Livestock produces 37% of all human induced methane. Carbon and climate change: 20% increase co2 since 1960. Most attributed to human activities, especially burning fossil fuels: oceans are a large carbon sink.
