Which of the following is not a significant reservoir of carbon in the carbon cycle?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the major carbon reservoirs involved in the carbon cycle and compare their relative magnitudes.
Option 1: oceans. The ocean is a huge reservoir of carbon, storing carbon primarily as dissolved inorganic carbon species (like CO2, bicarbonate, and carbonate) and playing a central role in the global carbon cycle through exchange with the atmosphere and biological processes.
Option 2: atmosphere. The atmosphere contains carbon mainly as carbon dioxide and methane, and although it is smaller than the ocean or rocks, it is a significant reservoir because it directly influences climate and readily exchanges carbon with the land and ocean.
Option 3: glaciers. Glaciers and ice themselves hold very little carbon; the carbon associated with ice is minimal compared with the vast amounts stored in oceans, atmosphere, or sedimentary rocks. Therefore, glaciers are not a significant carbon reservoir.
Option 4: sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks, including carbonates and organic-rich rocks, store enormous amounts of carbon over geological timescales, making them one of the largest reservoirs in the carbon cycle.
In summary, while oceans, atmosphere, and sedimentary rocks all serve as substantial carbon reservoirs, glaciers contain only trace amounts of carbon relative to these other reservoirs, which is why glaciers are not considered a significant carbon reservoir.

GEOL1104851.1251 ESS Lab Final Exam

Which of the following is not a significant reservoir of carbon in the carbon cycle?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

How do land use practices (particularly in forests and agriculture) affect and are affected by the carbon cycle, according to the lecture?

Habitat destruction leads to less overall photosynthesis and cellular respiration, so what is happening to carbon? Organic form = carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins. Inorganic form = carbon dioxide

Burning fossils releases carbon dioxide and disrupts the carbon cycle. Which statement describes how this disruption can negatively impact the environment?

Rising ocean temperatures are reducing marine algae. How is this most likely to impact the carbon cycle?

A new industrial complex is being built. How is this most likely to impact the carbon cycle?

More Practical Tools for International Students

Homework AI Solver

Stylized Writing Assistant

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation Assistant

In-Class Translation Assistant

Class Notes Assistant

Quiz Search Assistant

Past Exam Questions by School

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler