AP Environmental Science Flashcards: The Carbon Cycle

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on The Carbon Cycle, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which form of carbon is stored in the ocean?

Answer: Dissolved inorganic carbon. Bicarbonates and carbonates dissolved in ocean water.

Flashcard 2: In which process is carbon transferred from the atmosphere to the biosphere?

Answer: Photosynthesis. Plants remove atmospheric $CO_2$ and convert it to biomass.

Flashcard 3: During which process do oceans release CO2 back into the atmosphere?

Answer: Degassing. Warmer water releases dissolved $CO_2$ back to atmosphere.

Flashcard 4: Identify the process that converts organic carbon into carbon dioxide in soils.

Answer: Soil respiration. Microorganisms in soil decompose organic matter, releasing $CO_2$.

Flashcard 5: How do fossil fuels form over geological time?

Answer: From decomposed organic matter under pressure. Heat and pressure transform buried organic material over millions of years.

Flashcard 6: Which process involves the breakdown of organic matter, releasing carbon into the soil?

Answer: Decomposition. Bacteria and fungi break down dead material, releasing carbon.

Flashcard 7: Which process describes the conversion of organic carbon back into atmospheric CO2?

Answer: Respiration. Cellular process breaking down glucose and releasing $CO_2$.

Flashcard 8: Which cycle describes the movement of carbon through living organisms and the environment?

Answer: The carbon cycle. Movement of carbon between atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.

Flashcard 9: Identify the largest carbon reservoir on Earth.

Answer: Sedimentary rocks. Contains limestone and other carbonate minerals storing most Earth's carbon.

Flashcard 10: Name the process that converts atmospheric CO2 into glucose in plants.

Answer: Calvin cycle. Light-independent reactions that fix $CO_2$ into sugar molecules.

Flashcard 11: Name the process where dead organisms are converted into fossil fuels.

Answer: Fossilization. Dead organisms buried under sediments form coal, oil, and gas over time.

Flashcard 12: Which human activity is the largest source of CO2 emissions?

Answer: Burning fossil fuels. Combustion releases stored carbon from coal, oil, and natural gas.

Flashcard 13: What is the term for carbon stored in fossil fuels?

Answer: Geological carbon. Carbon stored in coal, oil, and natural gas deposits.

Flashcard 14: What is the process by which plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis?

Answer: Carbon fixation. The process where plants convert atmospheric $CO_2$ into organic molecules.

Flashcard 15: Which human activity significantly disrupts the carbon cycle?

Answer: Deforestation. Removing forests reduces carbon storage and increases emissions.

Flashcard 16: What is the primary source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions?

Answer: Burning of fossil fuels. Human activities like coal, oil, and gas combustion.

Flashcard 17: What role do marine organisms play in the carbon cycle?

Answer: They sequester carbon in shells and skeletons. Build calcium carbonate shells that store carbon long-term.

Flashcard 18: What is the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 on global temperature?

Answer: Global warming. More atmospheric $CO_2$ enhances the greenhouse effect.

Flashcard 19: In which form is carbon most abundantly found in the atmosphere?

Answer: Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$). Makes up about 0.04% of atmospheric gases by volume.

Flashcard 20: What is the result of increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Answer: Enhanced greenhouse effect. More heat trapped leads to rising global temperatures.

Flashcard 21: What is the process by which carbon dioxide is absorbed by ocean water?

Answer: Dissolution. $CO_2$ dissolves in seawater forming carbonic acid and bicarbonates.

Flashcard 22: How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

Answer: Increases CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Removing trees reduces carbon sequestration and adds $CO_2$ from burning.

Flashcard 23: What is the relationship between the carbon cycle and climate change?

Answer: Increased CO2 leads to global warming. Excess atmospheric carbon enhances greenhouse warming.

Flashcard 24: What impact does increased CO2 have on the pH of ocean waters?

Answer: Decreases pH (acidification). Dissolved $CO_2$ forms carbonic acid, lowering ocean pH.

Flashcard 25: What is the term for carbon stored in trees and plants?

Answer: Biomass carbon. Carbon stored in living plant tissues and wood.

Flashcard 26: What is the primary role of decomposers in the carbon cycle?

Answer: Decompose organic matter, releasing CO2. Bacteria and fungi break down dead material, returning carbon to atmosphere.

Flashcard 27: Which form of carbon is stored in the ocean?

Answer: Dissolved inorganic carbon. Bicarbonates and carbonates dissolved in ocean water.

Flashcard 28: What is the primary form of carbon found in the ocean?

Answer: Bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^-$). Most oceanic carbon exists as dissolved bicarbonate ions.

Flashcard 29: Identify the process by which CO2 is converted into organic compounds by plants.

Answer: Photosynthesis. Light-driven process converting $CO_2$ and water into glucose.

Flashcard 30: Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Answer: Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$). Absorbs infrared radiation, trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere.