A grass snake living in northern England dies of natural causes. After a long period of time, its remains decay in the soil to become fossil fuel. When the fossil fuel is processed, sold, and burned by humans, it releases carbon dioxide into the air. Which aspect of this scenario shows a carbon source becoming a carbon sink?
1 answer
The aspect of this scenario that shows a carbon source becoming a carbon sink is when the remains of the grass snake decay in the soil to become fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are considered carbon sinks because they store carbon that has been removed from the atmosphere over millions of years. However, when humans extract and burn fossil fuels, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.