Question

Compare the relative concentrations (amount of GtC) of at least 6 components of the carbon cycle. Which component of the carbon cycle is responsible for the highest concentration of carbon?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D

Answer 1

The carbon cycle's main components differ in carbon concentrations, with the oceans holding the highest concentration. Human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels, are altering the atmospheric CO₂ levels, linked to climate change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The carbon cycle involves various components that vary in their carbon concentrations. Some of the notable components include:

• Atmospheric CO₂, which is both taken up and released by biotic and abiotic processes.
• Oceans, where CO₂ dissolves and can precipitate as carbonate rocks.
• Terrestrial plants, which capture CO₂ through photosynthesis.
• Soil, where carbon can be stored in organic matter.
• Fossil fuels, which have stored carbon from ancient biological material.
• Sedimentary rocks, specifically carbonates, which store carbon over geologic timescales.

The oceans are responsible for the highest concentration of carbon, as they serve as a major reservoir by absorbing atmospheric CO₂ and storing it both in solution and as precipitated carbonates on the seabed. However, human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, are releasing significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to an increase in atmospheric CO₂ and impacting the global carbon cycle. The increase in CO₂ is a key factor in climate change, making understanding and managing the carbon cycle a critical environmental concern.