Summary Changes in the carbon cycle and their impact upon the atmosphere, land and oceans

Jess Sheppard
Changes in the carbon cycle and their impact upon the atmosphere, land and oceans

Atmosphere and Climate

 The carbon cycle impacts the amount of gases containing arbon in our atmosphere. These
being greenhouse gases trap some of the Sun’s energy and keep the heat which contributes
to global warming.
 Increased concentration of greenhouses gases are often caused by anthropogenic factors
such as: deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
 Changing of global temperatures may contribute to increased storm effects.

Land

 The carbon cycle encourages plants to grow. Without the presence of carbon, plants cannot
photosynthesise.
 No decomposition= dead plants would remain and there would be no recycling of nutrients.
 Changes can reduce the amount of carbon sotred in the land, for instance warmer
temperatures that are stimulated by global warming evoke the mealtime of permafrost. This
releases carbon into the atmosphere.
 Increased temperatures= increased frequency of wildfires.

Oceans

 An aspect of the carbon cycle is when carbon dioxide is dissolved directly into the oceans
from the atmosphere.
 Carbon dioxide in the oceans is used by phytoplankton during photosynthesis as well as
other marine organisms such as molluscs who use calcium carbonate to form their shells.
 Warmer water= less able to dissolve carbon dioxide= less carbon available to marine
organisms=death.
 Phytoplankton is sensitive to temperature and thus with a rise the amount present will
decrease, therefore less photosynthesis will be carried out which in turn increases the
amount of carbon present in the atmosphere.