Question

write short notes on imbalance in carbon cycle in the biosphere

Answer 1

The carbon occurs in all of the organic components. It occurs in the protoplasm, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. It is present in the non living component and occurs in many forms. The main forms are the carbon dioxide in air, dissolved carbon dioxide in the water, graphite in the rock form and in the form of fossil fuels which are a source of energy. The carbon content present in the atmosphere is 6 multiply by 10 raise to power 14. In the hydrosphere it is less than the atmosphere. The lithosphere has three multiply by 10 raise to power 21 carbon content. This carbon is only available when it is burnt or changed chemically. The carbon present in the atmosphere and hydrosphere is available as such. It may occur free in the air or in gaseous forms. It is used by the producers in the process of photosynthesis and is converted into the organic compounds. The amount of carbon used yearly in the process of photosynthesis is seven multiply by 10 raise to power 13. The oxygen which is liberated act as a byproduct. The one hectare area of tropical rain forest produces 10000 kg of oxygen. It absorbs 8000 kg of carbon dioxide. The producers’ fix the carbon and it enters the food chain. It is passed into the herbivores, carnivores etc. The photosynthesis leads to the decrease in the carbon content of hydrosphere and atmosphere. It can be increased by the process of respiration, burning of fuels, volcanic eruptions along with the hot springs, decomposition of wastes and the dead bodies and the weathering of rocks. Some carbon is added to the lithosphere by shells and skeletons of the animals. They also form coal and oils. The exchange of the materials between the hydrosphere and lithosphere is slow. The exchange of the materials between organisms and the atmosphere is rapid. The carbon is absorbed by the producers. This is a self regulated process and shows feedback. The increase combustion of fossil fuels has lead to disturbance of this cycle. They add six multiply by 10 raise to power 12 carbons in the atmosphere. So, they increase the carbon dioxide in atmosphere. They have an adverse effect on the atmosphere and also melt the ice and increase the sea level around 20 meter.