Cycles

Question 1

Carbon cycle

Answer 1

• process involves the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere, oceans, and land.
• Human activities, burning of fossil fuels, disrupt balance of the carbon cycle releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
• Trees are 50% carbon, so when they are cut down and burned they release this carbon into the atmosphere as CO2.
• increase in global temperatures and climate change, as CO2 a s traps heat in the atmosphere.
• Modified farming practices promote carbon sequestration = soils offset 20% of annual CO2 emissions.
• consequences include rising sea levels , and the loss of biodiversity.
• reduce carbon emissions and mitigate effects of climate change crucial protecting the planet for future generations.

Question 2

Heat Budget

Answer 2

• balance between the amount of energy that comes in from the Sun and the amount that is radiated back into space.
• This reflection process is known as albedo, which is the reflective ability of a surface.
• Climate change is affecting this balance by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap more heat and cause the planet to warm.
• changes to the global heat budget, increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels.
• About 19% of insolation is absorbed in the atmosphere by water vapour, dust, and ozone, while 51% passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the land and oceans.
• changing heat budget also affects ocean circulation and weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather.