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Use the following scenario to calculate the carbon flux in the atmosphere. The amount of carbon that enters the atmosphere through natural processes is 211.6 GtC/yr and the amount that leaves the atmosphere through natural processes in 213.8 GtC/yr. The amount of carbon released by burning fossil fuels is 5.5 GtC/yr. What is the carbon flux in the atmosphere?(1 point)

Responses

2.2 GtC/yr into the atmosphere
2.2 GtC/yr into the atmosphere

2.2 GtC/yr out of the atmosphere
2.2 GtC/yr out of the atmosphere

3.3 GtC/yr out of the atmosphere
3.3 GtC/yr out of the atmosphere

3.3 GtC/yr into the atmosphere
3.3 GtC/yr into the atmosphere

1 answer

To determine the carbon flux in the atmosphere, we need to calculate the net change in carbon from natural processes (the difference between what enters and leaves the atmosphere) and include the additional carbon released from fossil fuel burning.

  1. Calculate the net natural carbon flux:

    • Carbon entering the atmosphere: 211.6 GtC/yr
    • Carbon leaving the atmosphere: 213.8 GtC/yr

    Net natural carbon flux = Carbon entering - Carbon leaving Net natural carbon flux = 211.6 GtC/yr - 213.8 GtC/yr Net natural carbon flux = -2.2 GtC/yr

    This indicates a net removal of 2.2 GtC/yr from the atmosphere due to natural processes.

  2. Then, we need to consider the carbon released by burning fossil fuels:

    • Carbon from fossil fuels: 5.5 GtC/yr

  3. To find the overall carbon flux, we combine the net natural carbon flux with the fossil fuel emissions: Overall carbon flux = Net natural carbon flux + Carbon from fossil fuels Overall carbon flux = -2.2 GtC/yr + 5.5 GtC/yr Overall carbon flux = 3.3 GtC/yr

Since this value is positive, it indicates that there is a net influx of carbon into the atmosphere.

Final Answer: 3.3 GtC/yr into the atmosphere.