Explain the concept of carbon sequestration. (4 marks)
Carbon sequestration begins with the decay of organic matter in the biosphere which is then
decomposed leaving the carbon to become absorbed into the lithosphere. Once absorbed
into the lithosphere the carbon is buried and compacted into the soil where it is then stored
(sequestered) into rock and fossilised over a longer period of time.
Assess the relative importance of natural factors in changing the size of major stores of
carbon. (9 marks)
Natural factors are slightly important in changing the major stores of carbon however, they
are less significant in importance compared to human factors.
One natural factor that holds a significant role in changing the major stores of carbon is
wildfires. Wildfires such as those that occur in sub-Saharan Africa are vital natural processes
within the carbon cycle as they allow for grasslands to regenerate along with the monsoon
season. Wildfires change the size of the major stores of carbon due to their large carbon
emissions. Wood is 50% carbon and as a result of this when trees are burnt and cut down
the carbon sequestrated inside is then emitted into the atmosphere. This atmospheric
increase in carbon then results in an enhanced greenhouse effect which results in higher
global temperatures. An increase in global temperature as a result of climate change will
increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the future. This change will significantly
impact carbon stores as they change in size, causing an imbalance and irreversible effect on
the carbon cycle.
On the other hand, human factors arguably have a greater impact
Carbon sequestration begins with the decay of organic matter in the biosphere which is then
decomposed leaving the carbon to become absorbed into the lithosphere. Once absorbed
into the lithosphere the carbon is buried and compacted into the soil where it is then stored
(sequestered) into rock and fossilised over a longer period of time.
Assess the relative importance of natural factors in changing the size of major stores of
carbon. (9 marks)
Natural factors are slightly important in changing the major stores of carbon however, they
are less significant in importance compared to human factors.
One natural factor that holds a significant role in changing the major stores of carbon is
wildfires. Wildfires such as those that occur in sub-Saharan Africa are vital natural processes
within the carbon cycle as they allow for grasslands to regenerate along with the monsoon
season. Wildfires change the size of the major stores of carbon due to their large carbon
emissions. Wood is 50% carbon and as a result of this when trees are burnt and cut down
the carbon sequestrated inside is then emitted into the atmosphere. This atmospheric
increase in carbon then results in an enhanced greenhouse effect which results in higher
global temperatures. An increase in global temperature as a result of climate change will
increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires in the future. This change will significantly
impact carbon stores as they change in size, causing an imbalance and irreversible effect on
the carbon cycle.
On the other hand, human factors arguably have a greater impact
