The carbon cycle: Practice Questions

Which of the following describes the process of carbon sequestration within the carbon cycle?

The carbon budget refers to the balance between the carbon stored in various reservoirs and the carbon flows between them. Which of the following describes a positive feedback loop in the carbon-climate system?

Which human activity has the most significant direct impact on the carbon cycle by transferring carbon that has been stored in the lithosphere for millions of years into the atmosphere?

In the context of the global carbon cycle, which store is the largest, containing carbon primarily in the form of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels?

Which biological process involves the transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to the biosphere as shown in the equation:
\(6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\)?

Outline one way in which volcanic activity acts as a natural factor driving change in the magnitude of atmospheric carbon stores.

Explain how human-induced land use changes can lead to a net increase in the atmospheric carbon budget.

Distinguish between the biosphere and the lithosphere as stores within the global carbon cycle.

The carbon budget is essential for understanding global climate.

(a) Define what is meant by a 'carbon budget' in the context of the atmosphere. (2 points)
(b) Describe two ways in which an unbalanced carbon budget impacts the world's oceans. (2 points)

Assess the relationship between the carbon cycle and the water cycle in the atmosphere.

(a) Explain how increased atmospheric \(CO_2\) concentrations can lead to changes in the rate of evaporation and precipitation. (3 points)
(b) Discuss the role of feedback loops (either positive or negative) where a change in the carbon cycle leads to a secondary change in the water cycle. (3 points)