Question

Many different processes, both natural and human-caused, can release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Which of the following processes can occur naturally and adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?
A.
the burning of coal in a coal-fired power plant
B.
the burning of natural gas on a stove
C.
the burning of petroleum in an automobile
D.
the burning of plant life in a forest fire

Answer 1

The process that can occur naturally and adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is:

**D. the burning of plant life in a forest fire.**

Forest fires can happen naturally due to lightning strikes or other natural causes, and they release carbon dioxide as a result of combustion. The other options (A, B, and C) involve human-caused combustion of fossil fuels, which is not a natural process.