ESS55
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 CO2 produced from tree leave decomposing.
(from
Understanding
Weather
&
Climate)
(Mauna Loa, Hawaii)