Matter and Carbon Cycles Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is primarily stored in the lithosphere in the carbon cycle?

Water

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Carbon (correct)

What describes a 'sink' in the context of matter cycling?

Is a location with no nutrient movement

Accepts more nutrients than it releases (correct)

Releases more nutrients than it retains

Holds nutrients indefinitely

How long does carbon typically spend in the atmosphere?

20 to 25 years

1 to 2 years

5 to 7 years (correct)

10 to 12 years

What process allows carbon to move from the atmosphere to the ocean?

Gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the oceanic storage of carbon?

Depth of sediments Signup and view all the answers

What role does phosphorus play in the growth of plants?

It helps seedlings grow and strengthens the stem. Signup and view all the answers

How is phosphorus released into the ecosystem after being stored in sedimentary rocks?

By weathering processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of primary producers in the biological carbon pump?

Transform dissolved carbon into organic matter Signup and view all the answers

What impact does temperature have on carbon storage in the oceans?

Warmer water holds less carbon Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of excessive nutrient accumulation in water bodies, like Lake Champlain?

Eutrophication leading to algal blooms. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when primary producers die and are decomposed in the ecosystem?

Inorganic phosphorus is converted back from organic forms. Signup and view all the answers

Which season typically sees faster matter cycling?

Spring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties describes bio-available phosphorus in aquatic systems?

It can be directly absorbed by primary producers. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'residence time' in matter cycling?

The average duration a molecule remains in a pool Signup and view all the answers

What major factor inhibits the growth of ecosystems due to low phosphorus availability?

Limited production of primary producers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the carbon cycle?

Radiation exposure Signup and view all the answers

How can stormwater runoff contribute to phosphorus pollution?

By carrying excess nutrients into water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential fate of phosphorus that settles at the bottom of water bodies?

It may be uplifted through geological processes over time. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does no-till farming have on soil organic carbon levels?

It decreases carbon released into the air. Signup and view all the answers

How does increased CO2 impact stomatal openings in plants?

Stomata decrease in size, resulting in reduced water transpiration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

Coral reefs are likely to die off under increased acidity. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the carbonate carbon pump play in the carbon cycle?

It helps sequester carbon within the ocean bed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact on fish due to ocean acidification?

Fish senses of hearing and smell may be negatively affected. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the relationship between phosphorus and human activity?

Overaccumulation of phosphorus can occur due to human actions. Signup and view all the answers

Where is phosphorus mainly found within organisms?

In bones and teeth. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the carbon stored in living organisms?

Organic carbon Signup and view all the answers

How does tilling land affect carbon in the soil?

It increases the release of carbon into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbonate shells as ocean acidity increases?

They dissolve more easily in deeper layers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Matter Cycles

Matter cycles are biogeochemical cycles, integrating biological, geological, and chemical processes within ecosystems.
Matter cycles involve storage, compartments, sources (releasing more nutrients than they absorb), sinks (absorbing more nutrients than they release), and fluxes (movement in and out).
Residence time is the average time a molecule stays in a particular reservoir, calculated by dividing the total amount of matter by the outflow at a given time.
Carbon's residence time in the atmosphere is typically 5-7 years.
The rate of matter cycling varies depending on season and ecosystem type, faster in spring and warmer climates.
Soil, including tropical Amazonian soil, is a significant carbon reservoir cycled at varied rates dependent on the ecosystem.
A key point to note in matter cycles is the differentiation based on whether they are gaseous or sedimentary cycles based on their primary storage pools.

Carbon Cycle

Carbon is fundamental for life and is predominantly stored in the lithosphere (99.999%).
Major carbon reservoirs (storage pools) include the lithosphere, oceans, biosphere, and atmosphere.
Significant fluxes include decomposition, tectonic activity, burning fossil fuels, and ocean-atmosphere exchange.
The oceans are the largest carbon reservoir.
Ocean carbon storage is impacted by temperature (warmer water holds less), winds, wave action, and ocean currents.
Three main pathways for carbon in the ocean are physical (surface water movement), biological (primary producers), and carbonate (shell-building organisms) pumps.
Soil organic matter contains significantly more carbon than the atmosphere.
Human activity impacts the carbon cycle through tilling, increasing atmosphere carbon, and impacting ocean acidity.
Increased atmospheric CO2 can lead to decreased stomata size in plants, impacting transpiration and nutritional content. Ocean acidification, caused by excess carbon, harms coral reefs, shell-building organisms, and fish.

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Tilling releases soil organic carbon into the atmosphere.
No-till farming practices can help reduce carbon release.
Increased CO2 levels affect plant stomata function, potentially reducing water use and slightly increasing yields, but potentially reducing nutritional content.
Ocean acidification is a growing concern associated with higher atmospheric CO2 levels.

Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus is essential for life and is largely stored in sedimentary rocks and soils.
It's critical for plant growth and is often a limiting nutrient.
Weathering of rocks releases phosphorus into soil.
Two pathways for phosphorus exist: inorganic phosphorus converting to organic phosphates and entering aquatic systems via runoff and leaching.
Major storage pools include sedimentary rock, soils, and water bodies.
Eutrophication (excess nutrient accumulation), especially phosphorus, can cause algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
Urban stormwater runoff frequently introduces excess phosphorus into aquatic environments.
Climate change influences phosphorus cycles by increasing temperatures and potentially altering runoff patterns.

Ecosystem Story Map Assignment

The assignment requires a 4-page, single-spaced ecosystem story map, integrating photos of each site.
A flexible format is permitted.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the matter cycles and the carbon cycle. This quiz covers various aspects such as storage, residence time, and the role of ecosystems in these biogeochemical processes. Understand how different cycles operate and their impact on the environment.