This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Briefly describe the carbon cycle. What will be an ideal ... (Read 43 times)

clmills979

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 551
Briefly describe the carbon cycle.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain some of the ways in which carbon is stored and released in the environment.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

asware1

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 318
Answer to Question 1

Answer: The carbon cycle is the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere as a result of processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, sedimentation, weathering, and fossil-fuel combustion

In the carbon cycle, carbon in the form of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is incorporated into carbohydrates in plant tissues through photosynthesis. Animals consume plants and use the plant carbohydrates for their own life processes. Carbon is stored in biomass and animals. Through respiration, carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2. It is also added to the atmosphere by the
combustion of fossil fuels. These three processes - photosynthesis, respiration, and combustion help cycle carbon and oxygen back and forth between living things and the environment.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The carbon cycle is the movement of carbon among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere as a result of processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, sedimentation, weathering, and fossil-fuel combustion.

Growing plants take carbon out of the atmosphere. When forests are cut down, most of the carbon in the trees is released to the atmosphere, through decomposition or perhaps fire. In many parts of the world, especially the humid tropics, deforestation and urban development are reducing carbon storage in the biosphere and sending the carbon to the atmosphere. But in other areas, such as the eastern United States, forest area is actually increasing, and young forests are growing, storing carbon in the process.

Similarly, when undeveloped lands are first converted to agriculture, there is usually a loss of organic matter and thus carbon from the soil, but later that carbon can be replaced if the soils are allowed to recover. Presently, evidence indicates that deforestation is causing large transfers of carbon to the atmosphere, but we also know that in some parts of the world there are large amounts of carbon being absorbed by the biosphere.




clmills979

  • Member
  • Posts: 551
Reply 2 on: Jul 14, 2018
Excellent


hollysheppard095

  • Member
  • Posts: 339
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Gracias!

 

Did you know?

About 60% of newborn infants in the United States are jaundiced; that is, they look yellow. Kernicterus is a form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice. When babies begin to be affected by excessive jaundice and begin to have brain damage, they become excessively lethargic.

Did you know?

Children with strabismus (crossed eyes) can be treated. They are not able to outgrow this condition on their own, but with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. It is important for infants to have eye examinations as early as possible in their development and then another at age 2 years.

Did you know?

For high blood pressure (hypertension), a new class of drug, called a vasopeptidase blocker (inhibitor), has been developed. It decreases blood pressure by simultaneously dilating the peripheral arteries and increasing the body's loss of salt.

Did you know?

Looking at the sun may not only cause headache and distort your vision temporarily, but it can also cause permanent eye damage. Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cumulative effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on your eyes. UV exposure has been linked to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies.

Did you know?

For pediatric patients, intravenous fluids are the most commonly cited products involved in medication errors that are reported to the USP.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library