Carbon Cycle Simulation Around and Around We Go

To gain an understanding of the carbon cycle by participating in a simulation of the cycling of carbon through major carbon reservoirs. Objective

Just like energy….Matter can not be created or destroyed, only changed. Carbon, like other elements, cycles through the earth system. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Carbon exists in four major reservoirs. General Background

Carbon Cycle

CO 2 – carbon dioxide – traps some of the sun’s energy in the atmosphere MAKES LIFE ON EARTH POSSIBLE Greenhouse Effect

Atmosphere 800 Gt. Carbon Lithosphere 55,000,000 Gt. (fossil fuels = 5,000 Gt. Carbon) Hydrosphere 39,000 Gt. Carbon Land Biosphere 2,000 Gt. Carbon Reservoirs Sinks

Layers of gases surrounding the planet. Not much carbon = large influence on weather and global temperatures Exist as carbon dioxide Reservoirs - Atmosphere

Reservoirs - Lithosphere Fossil Fuels Coal, methane, petroleum Rocks Limestone – calcium carbonate Largest of Reservoirs

All Salt and Fresh Water Exist as carbon dioxide, bicarbonates and calcium carbonate SUB-RESERVOIRS - Water, Marine Plants, Marine Animals Reservoirs - Hydrosphere

Reservoirs – Land-Biosphere Land plants and animals, living and dead Exist as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nucleic acids SUB-RESERVOIRS – land animals, land plants, soil

# of carbons in each reservoir and # of carbons that move = representational, NOT proportional Does not reflect actual amounts of carbon that move between reservoirs in one year Does not include every single way carbon moves To Keep In Mind

Each Person = 1 carbon Each Group = Carbon Reservoir 1 Turn = 1 year Take “Your Carbon Journey” and pen/pencil with you and fill out as we go. Instructions will be given as we go – please play along and HAVE FUN! General Directions

Natural exchange between lithosphere and atmosphere is negligible – no carbons in lithosphere for this round Pre-Industrial Round – Sample Graph

Note differences between this round and the “Pre-Industrial” Round Present Round – Sample Graph

Share “journeys.” Clarify misconceptions. What would atmospheric carbon be after 20, 50, 100, 200 years? How will additional carbon affect the greenhouse effect and global temperatures? How will numbers shift if deforestation continues to increase? Closure/Wrap-Up

What other events add carbon to the atmosphere? What can we do to reduce atmospheric carbon? In what ways can YOU make a difference? Closure/Wrap-Up

Calculate and graph the change in carbon after 10, 20, 50, 100 years. Write narrative of “journey.” Carbon Cycle Poster Newspaper article about climate change. Brochure/pamphlet – what can people do to slow carbon emissions. Assessment Ideas