Carbon cycle and Human activity

Carbon cycle Carbon cycles though the atmosphere, living things, soils, and the ocean.Carbon cycles though the atmosphere, living things, soils, and the ocean.

Sources and Sinks Carbon Sinks are where carbon is stored –For example: in trees, the ocean, limestone, and underground as fossil fuels Carbon sources are processes that release carbon back into the atmosphere –For example: burning trees, volcanic activity, and burning fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are energy-rich substances formed from the remains of dead organisms –Coal, petroleum, & natural gas are all fossil fuels.

Atmospheric Carbon Carbon enters the atmosphere as CO 2 CO 2 is a greenhouse gas which helps keep our planet warm When CO 2 levels increase, global temperatures increase.

Rise in Greenhouse Gases Over the past 200 years there has been a rapid increase in greenhouse gases which include: Methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, & carbon dioxide The burning of carbon- rich fossil fuels & the removal of forests worldwide is the primary cause.

Global Warming The increase of greenhouse gases has caused an increase in global temperatures by 1°C. It is predicted that it will increase by another 5°C in 100 years. The temperature increase is greatest at the poles.

Impact of Global Warming Melting of the polar ice caps Rising sea levels Acceleration of warming due to release of methane from the permafrost & also less ice reflecting sunlight. Change in global weather patterns More severe storms and droughts Extinctions