Figure 6 shows the global movement of carbon into or out of the atmosphere - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 6
Figure 6 shows the global movement of carbon into or out of the atmosphere.
| process | movement of carbon into or out of the atmosphere in gigaton... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 6 shows the global movement of carbon into or out of the atmosphere - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the total carbon entering the atmosphere
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the total carbon entering the atmosphere, add the values for photosynthesis and combustion of fossil fuels:
120.1+6.4=126.5 gigatonnes per year.
Step 2
Calculate the total carbon leaving the atmosphere
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Next, we sum the values for respiration, ocean uptake, and ocean loss:
119.6+92.8+90.0=302.4 gigatonnes per year.
Step 3
Calculate the net mass of carbon added to the atmosphere
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Finally, subtract the total carbon leaving the atmosphere from the total carbon entering:
126.5−302.4=−175.9 gigatonnes per year.
This indicates that there is a net loss of carbon from the atmosphere.
