Chapter 18: Problem 10

Describe the data for atmospheric \(\mathrm{CO}_2\). What are significant sources and sinks for atmospheric \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) ? Why can \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) be called "the atmosphere's control knob?"

Short Answer

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The data for atmospheric CO2 shows a consistent rise due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The significant sources of atmospheric CO2 include natural processes and human activities, while the main sinks are oceans and photosynthesis by plants. CO2 is often referred to as 'the atmosphere's control knob' because it plays a significant role in the Earth's greenhouse effect, influencing global warming and climate change.

Step by step solution

Describe the Data for Atmospheric CO2

Starting with atmospheric CO2 data, this encompasses measurements of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. It has been consistently rising due to human activities, such as fossil fuel emissions and deforestation, which is of major concern since it directly contributes to global warming and climate change.

Identify Significant Sources and Sinks for Atmospheric CO2

Sources of CO2 include both natural and human activities. Natural sources include respiration from animals and plants, decay of organic matter, volcanic eruptions, and ocean releases. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for transportation, electricity, and industrial processes, along with deforestation, are adding substantial amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere. Sinks of CO2, on the other hand, include natural processes that remove CO2 from the atmosphere. These are primarily oceans that absorb about one-third of CO2 emissions and photosynthesis by plants that converts CO2 into organic matter.

Discuss why CO2 is the Atmosphere's Control Knob

To explain why carbon dioxide can be referred to as 'the atmosphere’s control knob', we need to look at its major role in the Earth's greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space and thus warming the Earth's surface. CO2 is one of the most prominent greenhouse gases, and changes in its concentration directly influence the level of the Earth’s greenhouse effect. As CO2 levels rise, the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, and the Earth becomes warmer - hence, CO2 can control the Earth's temperature making it 'the atmosphere’s control knob'.

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Describe the data for atmospheric \(\mathrm{CO}_2\). What are significant sources and sinks for atmospheric \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) ? Why can \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) be called "the atmosphere's control knob?"

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Describe the Data for Atmospheric CO2

Identify Significant Sources and Sinks for Atmospheric CO2

Discuss why CO2 is the Atmosphere's Control Knob

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