Carbon Cycle Simulation - Part 2

1.) An increase in fossil fuel consumption would result in an increase in carbon in terrestrial plants. The flora population would grow or expand since flora depends on carbon to survive and there would be an excess of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere. If this were to continue for another twenty years, then the number of plants on the planet would increase significantly.

2.) An increase in total carbon concentration from smokestacks would also increase the amount of carbon in the ocean’s surface. Some marine life may be harmed by this increase since some species are not used to handling such a drastic change in their environments. Other species may thrive, such as plants, since they depend on carbon to survive.

3.) Carbon may also be found at the bottom of the ocean or high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. In fifty years, we could find excess carbon in both of those spaces, especially the bottom of the ocean.

4.) The areas most affected by the burning of fossil fuels are the Earth’s atmosphere, the planet’s supply of oil and gasoline, and terrestrial plants. An increase in carbon in the atmosphere is harmful to the planet because it accelerates the greenhouse effect, thus further warming the planet - causing extensive damage across the globe. A decrease of the oil and gasoline supply is also detrimental at the moment. Fossil fuels play a very large role in the way humans live their lives. If we run out and we do not replace our primary fuel source, serious consequences will occur. An increase in carbon in terrestrial plants is beneficial to the plants because plants require carbon to survive.

Carbon Cycle Simulation - Part 1

1.) If only half the flora in the world existed in 2110, then the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere would double. If there is less plant matter to absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen, then there will be more carbon in the atmosphere. I would change the online simulation to reflect this new information by decreasing the amount of flora within the simulator.

2.) Carbon in the ocean is carbon that fell directly into the ocean water. Carbon in the soil in carbon that fell directly onto the Earth’s surface. Carbon could also be transferred into the soil if an organism dies and then decomposes into the soil.

3.) There is most certainly a linear correlation between the amount of fossil fuels we burn and the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. The more fuel we burn, then the more carbon there will be.