Question 1: Briefly describe the main processes involved in the carbon cycle.

Answer: The main processes include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and carbon exchange between the atmosphere, oceans, and land.

Question 2: What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?

Answer: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it as organic carbon in their tissues.

Question 1: Define 'carbon sink' and give an example.

Answer: A carbon sink is a reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases; an example is the deep ocean.

Question 2: Explain how combustion affects the carbon cycle.

Answer: Combustion releases stored carbon from fossil fuels and biomass into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, increasing greenhouse gases.

Question 1: If a forest absorbs 150 kg of CO2 per hectare annually through photosynthesis, how much CO2 is absorbed by 10 hectares in a year? (Show formula and units.)

Answer: Total CO2 absorbed = 150 kg/ha/year * 10 ha = 1500 kg/year

Question 2: Calculate the amount of carbon in grams stored in 200 kg of dry plant biomass, given that 50% of biomass mass is carbon. (Show formula and units.)

Answer: Mass of carbon = 200 kg * 0.50 = 100 kg = 100,000 g

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to measure the rate of CO2 absorption by aquatic plants. Include variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: An experiment can involve placing aquatic plants in water with a known CO2 concentration, measuring the change in CO2 levels over time using a CO2 sensor. Controlled variables include light, temperature, and water pH. Safety precautions include handling equipment properly and ensuring safe disposal of water samples.

Question 1: A coastal ocean area absorbs approximately 2 gigatons of CO2 annually. If global emissions are 40 gigatons per year, what percentage of CO2 emissions does this ocean area absorb? Show your calculation.

Answer: Percentage = (2 Gt / 40 Gt) * 100 = 5%

Question 2: Explain how increased fossil fuel combustion impacts the global carbon cycle and climate change.

Answer: Increased fossil fuel combustion releases more CO2 into the atmosphere, disrupting the natural carbon balance. Elevated atmospheric CO2 enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.

Question 1: Describe how carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can help mitigate climate change.

Answer: CCS captures CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and stores it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere, thereby reducing greenhouse gases.

Question 2: Identify two ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint related to the carbon cycle.

Answer: Using renewable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel consumption.