Carbon Cycle Lab Questions

Step 1:

If only one half of the flora in the world existed in 2110 (perhaps due to deforestation), what do you predict the atmospheric carbon level would be ? How would you change the simulation to reflect this?

If there were only half the flora in world, there would be more CO2 levels in the atmosphere.  We would change the tree level to half of what it was originally.

What is the relationship between increased carbon in the ocean and increased carbon in the soil? How else might carbon be transferred to soil?

As carbon increases in the ocean, carbon in the soil also increases.  Carbon can be transferred to soil through carbon-based lifeforms.

Using the data generated by the simulation, determine the mathematical relationship between the percentage increase in fossil fuel consumption and the increase in atmospheric carbon. Is the relationship linear?

They are directly proportional to each other and the relationship is not linear.

Step 2:

What is the relationship between an increase in fossil fuel consumption and increased carbon in terrestrial plants? How might this change flora populations? What impact could twenty years at this level of consumption have on flora?

As we increase consumption, the carbon in terrestrial plants increases until we run out of coal, and oil, then it peaks and goes on a decline from there.  This could increase flora populations.  The flora would decrease.

What is the relationship between an increase in total carbon concentration (the smokestack) and increased carbon in the ocean surface? How might this change marine life populations? What impact could fifty years at this level of emissions have on marine fauna? On marine flora?

As the total carbon concentration increases, the amount of carbon on the ocean surface also increases; marine life would be affected by this because there is less room for oxygen. 

In addition to circulating through the carbon cycle, where else might excess carbon be found? In fifty years, where would you be most likely to see excess carbon?

Right now a lot of the excess carbon is deep underground, but in fifty years it will most likely be on the ocean floor, or in the atmosphere. 

Which areas are most highly (and quickly) affected by an increase in carbon emissions (and increase in fossil fuel consumption)? How would these effects manifest themselves? What are the dangers/benefits to these areas?