ESS5
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
qCarbon dioxide is supplied into the atmosphere by plant and animal respiration, the decay of
organic material, volcanic eruptions, and natural and anthropogenic combustion.
qCarbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere by photosynthesis.
qCO2 is an important greenhouse gas.
current
level
Late summer minimum: summer growth removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
Early spring maximum: takes less CO2 due to slow plant growth in winter plus produces CO2 from tree leave decomposing.
(from
Understanding
Weather
&
Climate)