How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle?(1 point)
Responses
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
The correct answer is: Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
To understand why, let's break it down step by step:
1. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and organisms that lived millions of years ago.
2. These ancient plants and organisms absorbed carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during their lifetime through the process of photosynthesis and stored it within their tissues.
3. Over time, these plant and animal remains were buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high temperatures and pressure, which transformed them into fossil fuels.
4. When we extract and burn fossil fuels for energy, such as in power plants, cars, or heating systems, the carbon stored within the fossil fuels is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2).
5. This combustion process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, contributing to global warming and climate change.
So, the correct answer is that fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere. This process plays a significant role in the carbon cycle by altering the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.