Climate change and carbon-cycle reasoning
≈ 48 minClimate change and carbon-cycle reasoning
Carbon moves between atmosphere, organisms, soils, oceans and rocks. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into biomass; respiration, decomposition and combustion return carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases absorb outgoing infrared radiation and warm the lower atmosphere. Climate change is assessed using long-term patterns, mechanisms and multiple sources of evidence; a single hot day is weather, not proof by itself of a climate trend.
Work it through
Burning fossil fuels transfers carbon stored underground into the atmosphere quickly. If forests are cleared, less carbon is taken up through photosynthesis. Both changes can raise atmospheric carbon dioxide and strengthen the greenhouse effect.
Mastery target
Trace carbon through a stated activity, distinguish weather from climate and identify a mitigation or adaptation response.
Which process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into plant biomass?
Name the key biological term from Climate change and carbon-cycle reasoning: enter the term that best fits the explanation and visual model.
Which is mitigation rather than adaptation?
Which statement corrects a common misunderstanding in Climate change and carbon-cycle reasoning?