Carbon Dynamics in the Environment and Human Influences

Based on your research, answer the following questions:

1. How does carbon move in the environment by geological process, and biotic influences? (2 marks)
2. Explain how positive and negative feedbacks are involved in the pathways found in the carbon cycle and how these may determine concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, in oceans, and in soils. (3 marks)
3. Describe four ways that humans affect this cycle and the consequences to the reservoirs of carbon. (2 marks)
4. Refer to your results in assignment 1 and particularly your assessment of your carbon footprint. Given your results and an understanding the carbon biogeochemical cycle, identify how your activities are influencing the cycle. Be sure to include examples other than fossil fuel combustion. Highlight if your examples promote positive or negative feedback

Part A. Carbon Dynamics in the Environment and Human Influences (20 marks)
Review the biogeochemical cycles of carbon as well as the concepts of systems, and positive/negative feedback.
Based on your research, answer the following questions:

1. How does carbon move in the environment by geological process, and biotic influences? (2 marks)
2. Explain how positive and negative feedbacks are involved in the pathways found in the carbon cycle and how these may determine concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, in oceans, and in soils. (3 marks)
3. Describe four ways that humans affect this cycle and the consequences to the reservoirs of carbon. (2 marks)
4. Refer to your results in assignment 1 and particularly your assessment of your carbon footprint. Given your results and an understanding the carbon biogeochemical cycle, identify how your activities are influencing the cycle. Be sure to include examples other than fossil fuel combustion. Highlight if your examples promote positive or negative feedback responses in the environment. If your conclusion is that you promote positive feedback, how might you promote negative feedback responses? Why is it important to have negative feedback processes in carbon management? (3 marks)
5. Based on your research, indicate whether the following question is true or false and defend your conclusion based on the research information available: If we can stop driving our cars today, Humanity will immediately halt the progression of climate change. (10 marks)
   Part B. Phosphorus and Nitrogen Dynamics and Human Influences On These Cycles (20 marks)
   Review the biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus and nitrogen.
   Based on your research, answer the following questions:
6. What are the features of the phosphorus and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles and how are these similar and different from the carbon cycle? (8 marks)
7. Explain the influences that humans can have on these cycles and explain why this is the case making reference to their natural biogeochemical cycles. (2 marks)