CARBON DIOXIDE (CO₂)

It is the largest of the gases minors involved in a complex global cycle. Is released from inside the Earth through tectonic phenomena and through respiration, soil processes and combustion of carbon compounds and evaporation ocean. It is also dissolved in the oceans and consumed in photosynthetic processes. At present, its concentration reached 359 ppmv (parts per million volume), resulting from anthropogenic action: burning fossil fuels and organic matter in general.

Natural sources: respiration, decomposition of organic matter, natural forest fires.

Anthropogenic sources: fossil fuel combustion, changes in land use (mainly deforestation), biomass burning, cement manufacturing.

Sink: absorption by ocean water, and terrestrial and marine organisms, especially forests and phytoplankton.

Life cycle: 50 to 200 years.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide increase (Miller, 1991)

Back to the Theoretical Basis of Global Climate Change

Back to the Home Page of Global Warming & Climate Change

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO₂)