Final answer:
Carbon reservoirs differ in storage capacity and exchange rates, with atmospheric carbon being the most dynamic due to human activities. Over the past 300 years, human-induced emissions have led to increased atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures. Oceans have changed their carbon sequestration role with increasing atmospheric CO2, affecting both ocean chemistry and climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon is an essential element on Earth and is located in various carbon reservoirs, each differing in capacity and exchange rates with their surroundings. These reservoirs include the atmosphere, bodies of liquid water (predominantly oceans), ocean sediment, soil, rocks (including fossil fuels), and the Earth's interior. Among these reservoirs, the atmosphere is a significant one, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), which plays a crucial role in plant photosynthesis.
The reservoir that changes the most and the quickest is the atmospheric carbon, mainly due to human activities like fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. Over the past 300 years, the carbon flows have altered significantly. Previously, the carbon emitted from natural sources was balanced by natural absorption processes; however, human-induced carbon emissions have disrupted this balance, leading to increased atmospheric CO2 levels and a rise in global temperatures since 1850. When comparing the Illustration View and Chart View of carbon flows, it's evident that having multiple models helps to understand the complexities of the carbon cycle and the impact of various factors on it.
The role of the oceans in the carbon cycle has also evolved over time. Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere but due to increased atmospheric CO2 levels, there is now a higher concentration of carbonic acid in ocean waters, affecting the ocean's chemistry and its ability to sequester carbon. As of the last update in 2014, the continuous rise in atmospheric CO2 has also led to notable increases in global temperatures, causing climate concerns.