Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, especially trees, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into glucose and oxygen. In the Northern Hemisphere, as spring arrives and leaves begin to grow, the rate of photosynthesis increases, resulting in a higher uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This leads to lower levels of atmospheric CO2, which is why we see the lowest concentrations in October when leaves have fallen and photosynthesis declines. Therefore, the seasonal cycle of leaf growth and loss directly influences the levels of CO2, with increased photosynthesis in spring and summer reducing atmospheric carbon, and decreased photosynthesis in autumn leading to higher CO2 levels.
Climate scientists have observed seasonal changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. In the Northern Hemisphere, they have measured the highest levels of carbon dioxide in the month of May. They have also measured the lowest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the month of October. Hypothesize how photosynthesis can affect these changes. Consider the process of photosynthesis and its inputs and outputs. Explain your answer in four to five sentences. Please be simple, but coherent.
Things to keep in mind as you develop your hypothesis:
In the Northern Hemisphere, leaves appear on trees in the spring and fall from trees in the autumn.
Leaves are where photosynthesis occurs.
How does photosynthesis effect carbon dioxide?????/
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