Carbon sequestration

Definition

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. This natural or artificial process plays a crucial role in regulating carbon cycles, influencing marine ecosystems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from various sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marine organisms like phytoplankton play a significant role in carbon sequestration through photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 from the water and atmosphere.
2. Deep ocean currents facilitate the movement of carbon-rich water to the depths of the ocean, where it can remain stored for long periods.
3. Carbon sequestration strategies are essential in climate change mitigation plans, emphasizing the need for both natural solutions like reforestation and technological innovations.
4. Ocean acidification affects the ability of marine organisms to sequester carbon effectively, as lower pH levels can harm organisms like corals and shellfish that contribute to carbon storage.
5. The efficiency of carbon sequestration processes can be influenced by factors such as temperature, nutrient availability, and changes in oceanic circulation patterns.

Review Questions

• How does primary production in marine ecosystems contribute to carbon sequestration?
  • Primary production in marine ecosystems is primarily driven by phytoplankton, which absorb significant amounts of CO2 during photosynthesis. By converting atmospheric carbon into organic matter, these organisms form the base of the food web and contribute to carbon cycling within the ocean. When these organisms die, some of their organic material sinks to the ocean floor, effectively sequestering carbon in deeper waters.
• Discuss how thermohaline circulation influences the effectiveness of carbon sequestration in oceans.
  • Thermohaline circulation plays a key role in transporting carbon-dense waters to the deep ocean. As surface waters cool and become denser, they sink and carry dissolved CO2 to depth where it can be sequestered for extended periods. This process is vital for maintaining the ocean's role as a significant carbon sink and helps regulate global climate by controlling atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and solutions associated with using carbon sequestration as a climate change mitigation strategy.
  • Challenges associated with carbon sequestration include ensuring long-term storage stability, addressing the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms' ability to sequester carbon, and implementing technological solutions that may be costly or have unintended environmental impacts. Solutions could involve enhancing natural processes like reforestation or improving oceanic carbon uptake through marine protected areas. Innovative technologies like direct air capture also hold promise but require significant investment and research to be effective on a large scale.

Related terms

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen, playing a vital role in the carbon cycle.

Carbon sink: Natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb more carbon than they release, such as forests, oceans, and soils.

Oceanic carbon uptake: The process by which oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to both biological processes and chemical reactions in seawater.