The carbon cycle: stores, flows and the carbon budget

Outline characteristic features of a drainage basin.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows the projected cumulative changes in greenhouse gas emissions by selected countries and groups of countries from 2015 to 2030.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows a simplified sustainable water supply system in north-east Ohio, USA.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the relative importance of physical and human factors in achieving a sustainable water supply.

Analyse factors driving change in the magnitude of carbon stores in a tropical rainforest that you have studied.

Outline processes involved in the formation of ocean ridges.

Figure 9 is in the insert.

Figure 9 shows data related to the changing frequency of tropical storms between 1980 and 2018.

Interpret the data shown in Figure 9.

Figure 10 is in the insert.

Figure 10 shows data related to the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai submarine volcanic eruption and tsunami on 14 January 2022.

Using Figure 10 and your own knowledge, assess challenges in responding to this event.

To what extent do you agree that changes to the carbon cycle are responsible for increasingly frequent and severe tropical storms?

‘The Hazard Management Cycle is useful in minimising the impact of wildfires.’

Evaluate this view with reference to a wildfire event that you have studied.

Outline processes involved in mineral nutrient cycling in an ecosystem.

Figure 11 is in the insert.

Figure 11 shows information about global biodiversity by species category measured in 2019.

Analyse the information shown in Figure 11.

Figure 12 is in the insert.

Figure 12 shows a food web diagram of a coastal lagoon in Italy.

Using Figure 12 and your own knowledge, assess the potential impact of human activity on this food web.

How far do you agree that changes to the carbon cycle are leading to an increasingly uncertain future for coral reefs?

With reference to one plagioclimax in the British Isles, assess the factors affecting change and development in this ecosystem.

Outline the purpose of a flood hydrograph.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows information about freshwater abstraction in Finland in 2020.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows global proposed carbon sequestration rates compared to implemented carbon sequestration rates between 2000 and 2020.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges associated with carbon sequestration.

Evaluate the potential impact of changes in the carbon budget on a tropical rainforest that you have studied.

Explain the concept of negative feedback within the carbon cycle.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows changes in the terrestrial water system in response to human activity and climate change between 2012 and 2016.

Analyse the changes in the terrestrial water system shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows regional changes in forest cover between 1990 and 2010.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges arising out of the changing forest cover.

‘Human activity needs to focus more on adapting to the expected negative impacts of climate change than on taking measures to restore atmospheric carbon to pre-industrial levels.’

How far do you agree with this view?

Outline the relationship between the water cycle and the carbon cycle in the atmosphere.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows the impact of different rates of deforestation and afforestation upon land surface temperature (LST) at different latitudes. The data was collected between 2000 and 2011.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert.

Figure 2 shows a simplified version of Europe’s forest carbon cycle.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the implications of the data for attempts to manage carbon transfers.

With reference to a river catchment that you have studied, assess the potential factors which can impact upon the flood hydrograph.

Outline the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle.

Figure 1 is in the insert.

Figure 1 shows annual and 5-year moving average rainfall data for two measuring stations in South Africa: Royal Observatory and Dwarsberg.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is in the insert. It shows the number of days when precipitation is high enough for plant growth across southern Africa in 2000 and that projected for 2050.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the predicted impact of climate change upon life in this region.

Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget.

Explain the role of cryospheric change in the water cycle.

Figure 1 shows change in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, grouped by relative wealth of country, between 1970 and 2010.

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 shows the contribution of the top ten greenhouse gas emitters and information regarding the ratification of the Paris Accord climate change agreement as of May 2017.

Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Assess the potential causes and impacts of changes to the water balance within a tropical rainforest that you have studied.