Biological carbon pump

Definition

The biological carbon pump is a process in the ocean that transfers carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into deep ocean waters through the activity of marine organisms. This process involves phytoplankton absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis, which then enters the food web as organic matter, eventually sinking to the ocean floor, thus sequestering carbon for long periods. It plays a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels and mitigating climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The biological carbon pump is responsible for sequestering an estimated 2 billion tons of carbon each year, significantly influencing global carbon cycles.
2. Phytoplankton contribute to the biological carbon pump by taking up CO2 during photosynthesis, thus helping to regulate atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
3. As organic matter produced by phytoplankton sinks to the ocean floor, it can remain stored for hundreds to thousands of years, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere.
4. The efficiency of the biological carbon pump can be affected by factors like temperature, nutrient availability, and ocean acidification, which can limit phytoplankton growth.
5. This process not only helps in mitigating climate change but also supports marine ecosystems by providing food for various marine organisms through the food web.

Review Questions

• How does the biological carbon pump function and what are its primary components?
  • The biological carbon pump functions by allowing phytoplankton to absorb atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis. Phytoplankton are essential as they form the base of the oceanic food web and produce organic matter that sinks into deeper waters when they die. This sinking organic matter carries carbon down to the ocean floor, effectively sequestering it and playing a critical role in reducing overall atmospheric CO2 levels.
• What impact does ocean acidification have on the biological carbon pump and its efficiency?
  • Ocean acidification negatively affects the biological carbon pump by altering conditions for phytoplankton growth. Increased CO2 levels lead to lower pH in seawater, which can impair the ability of some phytoplankton species to carry out photosynthesis efficiently. This reduction in phytoplankton productivity ultimately decreases the amount of organic matter produced and limits the carbon that can be sequestered in deep ocean waters.
• Evaluate the implications of disruptions in the biological carbon pump for global climate change and marine ecosystems.
  • Disruptions in the biological carbon pump can significantly impact global climate change by reducing the ocean's ability to absorb and store atmospheric CO2. If phytoplankton populations decline due to climate change or pollution, less carbon will be sequestered in deep oceans, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels and exacerbating global warming. Additionally, disruptions may alter marine food webs, affecting biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems that rely on healthy phytoplankton populations as a food source.

Related terms

phytoplankton: Microscopic marine plants that perform photosynthesis, forming the base of the oceanic food web and playing a vital role in the biological carbon pump.

ocean acidification:

The decrease in pH levels of ocean waters due to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2, which can impact marine life and the biological carbon pump.

carbon sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and combating climate change.