The deep sea ocean plays a significant role in the Earth's carbon cycle, storing approximately 38,000 gigatons of carbon, which is more than the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems combined. This vast reservoir helps regulate global climate by sequestering carbon dioxide through processes like the biological pump, where marine organisms absorb CO2 and transport it to the ocean depths upon their death. The deep ocean effectively acts as a long-term carbon sink, influencing both ocean chemistry and climate systems.
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When carbon enters the deep ocean, it can remain there for hundreds to thousands of years. This long residence time is due to the ocean's layered structure, where deep waters are less accessible to mixing with surface waters. The carbon is part of the ocean's carbon cycle, contributing to the long-term storage of carbon in the deep sea. Ultimately, processes such as upwelling and ocean circulation can eventually return this carbon to the surface, but this can take a significant amount of time.
what item is not available in the deep ocean carbon dioxide,water,nutrients,or sunlight
Yes, carbon can move back and forth between the atmosphere and the deep ocean through processes such as the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in ocean water and can be utilized by marine organisms for photosynthesis. Additionally, when these organisms die, their carbon-rich remains can sink to the ocean floor, sequestering carbon in the deep ocean. Over time, this carbon can be released back into the atmosphere through various processes, including ocean circulation and upwelling.
continental shelf
the carbon dissolves into the water
Plate tectonics, the moving and repositioning of earths plates.
poor in oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide
Hundreds of years
The earths crust its 5-70km deep in the ocean and upto 100km deep at mountain ranges. At certain areas, the crust is unstable due to moving plate tectonics.
The earths crust its 5-70km deep in the ocean and upto 100km deep at mountain ranges. At certain areas, the crust is unstable due to moving plate tectonics.
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