Carbon Reservoirs
How does a tree get its mass? (be specific)
What is carbon dioxide gas OR photosynthesis?
The four spheres through which carbon cycles
What is the biosphere, geosphere (lithosphere), hydrosphere, and atmosphere?
Without coral, coral reef ecosystems would collapse. That makes coral a _____.
What is a carbon reservoir?
The two processes by which carbon cycles from the atmosphere to the biosphere and then back to the atmosphere
What is photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Coral gets most of its food from this organism. In return, it gives this organism a place to live.
What is algae?
The species that likes to "eat rocks"
What is a parrot fish?
Most carbon is stored in this sphere
What is the geosphere?
Name one natural process by which carbon moves from the geosphere to the atmosphere
What is volcanoes?
The primary cause of ocean acidification
What is fossil fuel emissions? OR What is higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
Atmospheric carbon levels have increased by this percentage since 1750 (answer as a percent)
What is 40%?
List a carbon reservoir in each of the four spheres.
Answers may vary
The "Keeling Curve" is considered an important metric when examining how the carbon cycle has become unbalanced. What does the "Keeling Curve" measure?
What is atmospheric carbon levels over time?
What is coral bleaching? (two parts)
Answer includes both 1) Algae is expelled and 2) Coral becomes white in appearance.
What is zooxanthellae?
The ocean absorbs this percentage of atmospheric carbon annually. (answer as a percent)
What is 25%-30%?
Today, the carbon cycle is often described as being "unbalanced," leading to an excess of carbon in the atmosphere. Identify two processes or events that are causing the cycle to be unbalanced
What are deforestation and burning fossil fuels?
A critical building molecule for corals and shellfish that also reacts with carbon dioxide and water to form an acidic compound.
What is carbonate?
Why did we do the seashell lab? (How does burning fossil fuels affect coral reef ecosystems?)
Answers may vary