Terms 1
1015 Grams
Petagram
The combined processes, including photosynthesis, decomposition, and respiration, by which carbon as a component of various compounds cycles between its major reservoirs: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and living organisms.
Relating mainly to carbon compounds derived from biological sources.
organic carbon
What verse says "you are the salt of the earth?"
Matthew 5:13
On a bright, sunny day, when aquatic plants are using lots of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, would you expect the water's level of carbonic acid to increase or decrease?
Decrease
109 Metric Tons
1 Gigaton
Process where certain anaerobic bacteria convert nitrate (NO3-) to nitrogen gas (N2)
Denitrification
The decomposition or separation of molecules by interactions with sunlight.
photolysis
Approximately how many petagrams of carbon are stored in the oceans?
38,000
Where is most of the earth's oxygen stored?
Lithosphere
Reversible reactions designed to balance acid levels in natural waters.
bicarbonate buffer system
Refers mainly to carbonate minerals such as limestone and dolomite, but may also refer to carbon dioxide
inorganic carbon
Chemical reaction that occurs in plants and algae by which solar energy, carbon dioxide and water are converted to oxygen
photosynthesis
Where is most of the world's carbon stored?
in the Earth's crust
Most of earth's oxygen is produced by
phytoplankton
The scientific discipline involving study of chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions governing the composition of the natural environment.
biogeochemistry
Process by which certain aerobic bacteria convert ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3-).
nitrification
Energy-releasing reaction that occurs in aerobic organisms
respiration
Most cycling of carbon involves movement of
carbon dioxide
What is most likely causing the problems in measuring atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide?
Instrument error
The sum of all exchanges (release and consumption) of carbon compounds from the world's carbon sources and sinks.
Carbon budget
The combined processes, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, by which nitrogen as a component of various compounds cycles between its major reservoirs: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and living organisms.
nitrogen cycle
Production of organic carbon from atmospheric or aquatic carbon dioxide
primary production
What is produced in the atmosphere when ultraviolet radiation reacts with compounds like water?
oxygen
If all the salt in the seas were spread out on the surface of the earth, it would cover the earth to a depth of about ____ feet
200