Carbon Cycle Research Paper
The Carbon CycleCarbon is the basis for all life on earth. This essay will explain the role of carbon dioxide in various parts of the carbon cycle. This essay will examine two main, and important parts of the carbon cycle, starting by explaining the role of the ocean in absorbing carbon. Next this essay will examine the human influences on the carbon cycle and human production of carbon dioxide. Thirdly this essay will explain what controls thecarbon dioxide concentration.
The ocean holds a vast amount of carbon. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is transferred into and out of the ocean continually, maintaining a balance by dissolving in cold polar water. Plankton also play a large role in maintaining a carbon balance. Plankton in the world oceans use carbon dioxide for growth (photosynthesis). Waste organic matter sinks down from these ecosystems, carrying carbon and nutrients away from the surface. Ason land, changes to either components of the ocean carbon cycle, chemical or biological, have a great potential to modify climate change. Scientists believe that the ocean currently absorb 30-50 per cent of the carbon dioxide produced by the burning of fossil fuel. If they did not soak up and carbon dioxide, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would be much higher then the current level of 355 parts per million by 2050. …show more content…
Carbon emissions from the U.S. are now estimated at 1.4 billion tons per year (that 's 5.4 tons per person!)2 Recall that northeastern forests alone contain about five times that amount in wood and biomass, and you begin to appreciate their significance on global
The ocean holds a vast amount of carbon. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is transferred into and out of the ocean continually, maintaining a balance by dissolving in cold polar water. Plankton also play a large role in maintaining a carbon balance. Plankton in the world oceans use carbon dioxide for growth (photosynthesis). Waste organic matter sinks down from these ecosystems, carrying carbon and nutrients away from the surface. Ason land, changes to either components of the ocean carbon cycle, chemical or biological, have a great potential to modify climate change. Scientists believe that the ocean currently absorb 30-50 per cent of the carbon dioxide produced by the burning of fossil fuel. If they did not soak up and carbon dioxide, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would be much higher then the current level of 355 parts per million by 2050. …show more content…
Carbon emissions from the U.S. are now estimated at 1.4 billion tons per year (that 's 5.4 tons per person!)2 Recall that northeastern forests alone contain about five times that amount in wood and biomass, and you begin to appreciate their significance on global