Why Is Tracking the Carbon Cycle Important

question 8

Multiple Choice

Why is tracking the carbon cycle important?

• A)Carbon is contained in all living things and can be used to determine the evolution of various species on Earth.
• B)Carbon alone is responsible for the increase in temperatures seen on Earth and thus affects our well-being.
• C)Carbon is part of carbon dioxide,which is a greenhouse gas that is partially responsible for the current global warming trend.
• D)Carbon is contained in a large majority of rocks and minerals on the planet and can thus help us decipher Earth's history.

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Definitions:

Chernobyl

The site of a catastrophic nuclear accident in 1986, located in Ukraine, resulting in widespread environmental and health impacts.

Nuclear Explosion

A release of energy resulting from the splitting (fission) or merging (fusion) of atomic nuclei, producing a large explosion and radioactive fallout.

Uranium Deposits

Concentrations of uranium within the Earth's crust that are economically viable to mine, commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors.

Groundwater

Water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers.