Explain the processes that transfer carbon from the atmosphere to the land (bios

Question

Explain the processes that transfer carbon from the atmosphere to the land (biosphere), and from the land to the atmosphere. How do these processes interact to produce the "sawtooth" annual cycle (i.e. summer to winter changes in the atmospheric abundance of CO2 in Dessler, Figs. 5.1 and 5.6? The reaction that transfers carbon from the atmosphere to the land is The reaction that transfers carbon from the land back to the atmosphere is Most of the world's land is in the (northern/southern) hemisphere, so that most photosynthesis on the Earth occurs during northern this time, leading to a carbon dioxide. During northern hemisphere summer/winter), decay of plant material via (summer/winter). At draws carbon out of the atmosphere, (increase/decrease) in atmospheric leads to (increase/decrease) in atmospheric carbon dioxide

Explanation / Answer

The reaction that transfers carbon from the atmosphere to the land is Photosynthesis ie CO2+H20+sunlight to CH2O (mainly plants) + O2.

The reaction that transfers carbon from the land back to the atmosphere is Respiration ie CH2O (from food/plants) +O2 to CO2 + H2O + energy

Most of the world's land is in the Northern (northern/southern) hemisphere, so that most photosynthesis on the Earth occurs during northern Summer (summer/winter). At this time, Photosynthesis by plants draws carbon out of the atmosphere, leading to a Decrease (increase/decrease) in atmospheric carbon dioxide. During northern hemisphere Winter (summer/winter), decay of plant material via Respiration leads to Increase (increase/decrease) in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Explanation: As there are more landmasses as well as vegetation in the Northern hemisphere, so the amount of photosynthesis by plants is much higher. This can capture more CO2 from the atmosphere sometimes by carbon sequestration carbon also gets captured. In summer months due to excess heat there will be more photosynthesis as the plants are more active which leads o decrease in atmospheric CO2.

Respiration is being an all time phenomenon but its amount gets increased in the colder months as due to less heat microorganisms will be more active and leads to maximum release of CO2 in the air.

hope this information will help you.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.