Question

Which of the following statements describe sinks for atmospheric CO2? Select all that apply.

A. Biomass decomposes via anaerobic respiration in the deep soil

B. Biomass decomposes via aerobic respiration on the forest floor

C. Plants on land take up carbon dioxide via photosynthesis

D. Nutrients and carbon are returned to the surface waters from the deep waters via upwelling off the western coasts of the continents and at the equator

E. Carbon is transferred from the surface ocean to the deep ocean via the “biological pump” of settling organic matter

Answer 1

Answer:  The following statements describe sinks for atmospheric $CO_{2}$ :

A. Biomass decomposes via anaerobic respiration in the deep soil.

B. Plants on land take up carbon dioxide via photosynthesis.

E. Carbon is transferred from the surface ocean to the deep ocean via the “biological pump” of settling organic matter.

Anaerobic respiration utilizes  $CO_{2}$ to break down biomass. Plants and trees consume atmospheric $CO_{2}$ .  

Biological pump play a critical role in segregation of $CO_{2}$ from atmosphere.

Therefore the correct options in this case are (a),(c) and (e)