Data Tables: Carbon Cycle

THE CARBON LAB

This simulation explores global warming through its effect on the carbon cycle.

The solution to global warming? Just plant more trees? Read this slide and then comment on your answer below. http://www.slideshare.net/quercuscymru/carbon-uptake

Just plant more trees?

Although absorb CO2 from atmosphere and convert to plant tissue (carbon fixation) BUT in first five years respiration = photosynthesis so effect is negligible. After 5 years photosynthesis is greater than respiration so it does have an effect on carbon fixation BUT the amount of trees needing to be planted and area needed is just too great to offset carbon – it is better for preserving habitats/diversity.

**Often coniferous trees are planted as they grow quicker and can be harvested, but this can reduce biodiversity/range of habitats**

Open up the simulation ‘’Carbon Lab” http://www.learner.org/courses/envsci/interactives/index.php

Syllabus excerpt:

Here we aim to explore how carbon emissions affect the carbon cycle and the complexity of the processes involved. DATA TABLES: CARBON CYCLE

LESSON 1: The Carbon cycle

Lesson 1: Gaseous Step 1 Ocean Water Fossil Fuels Biosphere Gaseous Carbon Carbon

To Year Ocean Deep Oil and Atmosphere Coal Soil Terrestrial Plants Surface Ocean Gas 2000 700 1000 38000 500 2000 2000 700 2050 863 1074 38189 168 1818 2037 752 2100 1395 1197 38699 0 676 2098 833

Lesson 1: Total Gaseous Step 2 Carbon Ocean Water Fossil Fuels Biosphere Gaseous Carbon Carbon Emissions To Year Ocean Deep Oil and Smokestack Atmosphere Coal Soil Terrestrial Plants Surface Ocean Gas 2000 0 700 1000 38000 500 2000 2000 700 2010 75 707 1031 38019 452 1974 2004 714 2020 87 737 1039 38049 396 1943 2012 724 2030 101 773 1049 38087 331 1907 2020 733 2040 117 814 1061 38133 255 1866 2029 742 2050 136 863 1074 38189 168 1818 2037 752 2060 157 919 1089 38255 66 1762 2046 763 2070 204 1002 1108 38334 0 1623 2056 775 2080 270 1118 1136 38433 0 1353 2068 792 2090 313 1247 1165 38554 0 1040 2082 811 2100 364 1395 1197 38699 0 676 2098 833

Responses to questions Step 1:

1. Perhaps minimal difference as terrestrial plants are not one of the bigger sinks. 2. Both increase at the same rate – perhaps run off of soil into ocean? Soil gets carbon input from decomposition. 3. Both increase, 1.5% rate for fossil fuel consumption, atmospheric carbon +23% 2050, +60% 2100. Positive correlation but does not PROVE causation.

Step 2:

1. More carbon is fixed by flora as CO2 levels increase through photosynthesis – this can actually help growth? But depends on deforestation levels staying the same? 2. Positive correlation – as emissions increase so does surface carbon in oceans – impacts on marine flora and fauna? – oceans hold 50X more as a carbon sink than atmosphere – makes them more acidic affecting coral reefs – but as they warm they absorb less CO2. 3. Excess carbon – in atmosphere – amounts doubling? Also deep ocean/surface ocean p139 Rutherford. 4. atmosphere and ocean surface – impacts are warming of both

Notes DATA TABLES: CARBON CYCLE

LESSON 2: Curb emissions.

Lesson 2: Step 1 Gaseous Carbon Ocean Water Biosphere Gaseous Carbon

To Year Atmosphere Ocean Surface Deep Ocean Soil Terrestrial Plants 2000 700 (371ppm) 1000 38000 2000 700 2050 623 (337) 1008 38052 2009 708 2100 614 (332) 1005 38072 2005 705

Lesson 2: Step 2 Gaseous Carbon

To Year Net Def. Fossil Fuel Atmosphere Deep Ocean Rate % Increase 2000 -2.0 +2.5 700 (370ppm) 38000 2050 -2.0 +2.5 945 (511ppm) 38200 2100 -2.0 +2.5 1510 (816ppm) 39001

Responses to questions

Step1: 1. They have reduced. 2. Soil/plants have increased – natural levels of cycle? Atmosphere reduced, ocean surface/deep increased but not as much.

Step 2: 1. Deep ocean is important as it tells us how much excess carbon is being absorbed here – also huge amounts of methane frozen in deep ocean sediments – if these are released then can dramatically affect global temps. 2. It does decrease atmosphere levels and deep ocean levels of carbon significantly if deforestation is reduced and fossil fuel levels reduce as well. DATA TABLES: CARBON CYCLE

LESSON 3: Feedback effects

Lesson 3: Step 1 Biosphere Gaseous Carbon

To Year Net Def. Rate Soil Terrestrial Plants 2000 -1.6 2000 700 2060 -1.6 2063 782 2080 -1.6 2085 812 2100 -1.6 2116 853

Lesson 3: Tundra Gaseous Step 2 Melt Ocean Water Fossil Fuels Biosphere Gaseous Carbon Carbon Rate To Year Net 1 1 Ocean Deep Oil and Def. –— -— Atmosphere Coal Soil Terrestrial Plants Surface Ocean Gas Rate 3 6 2000 -1.6 Y 700 1000 38000 500 2000 2000 700 2050 -1.6 Y 873 1076 38194 168 1818 2018 754 2100 -1.6 Y 1409 1200 38717 0 676 2060 836

Responses to questions

Step 1: 1. Carbon levels increase for both soil and flora. 2. carbon soils levels increase – increased uptake by plants therefore increasing flora levels. 3. decomposition rates may increase as increase temp favours more decomp and quicker recycling of nutrients. Human health affected as disease vectors increase.

Step 2: 1. Large amounts of organic carbon are stored in the permafrost – this can be carried by rivers to the sea increasing surface carbon levels – positive feedback loop 2. Both see large increases in atmospheric carbon levels. Also remember that methane as well as trapping heat is a carbon compound (CH4). Notes