Q2CC - Campbell Biology

Question

There are vast stores of organic matter in the soils of northern coniferous forests and tundra around the world. Suggest an explanation for why scientists who study global warming are closely monitoring these stores (see Figure 55.14).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

High temperatures will decrease the time required for decomposition. Organic matters present in those regions’ soils will be decomposed rapidly and generate carbon dioxide.

The formation of carbon dioxide will increase the earth’s temperature. Carbon dioxide is an example of greenhouse gas. An increased amount of CO₂ is the reason for a massive amount of energy imbalance, and thus, scientists are closely monitoring this.

Step1: Greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases contribute to greenhouse effects. These greenhouse gases will absorb or trap heat, and this trapped or absorbed heat will not be able to leave the environment.

Other greenhouse gas examples are water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane. Greenhouse gases will influence the temperature or energy balance of the atmosphere. 

Step 2: Decomposition

The decomposition of leaves and animals release carbon dioxide and come back to the atmosphere. During the decaying process of organic carbon, carbon dioxide is released in massive amounts, and it will cover around 91 percent of the carbon dioxide emission in one year.

Step 3: Concentration of CO 2

An increased amount of carbon dioxide levels is a threat to the planet, and scientists are also concerned about this situation because it will increase global warming. 

The decomposition rate of soils’ organic carbon is a reason for increasing global warming. Decreased organic matters of the soils will increase carbon dioxide levels.