What is the Biological Pump?

Introduction Scientists have underestimated the efficiency of the biological pump for centuries. A recent study from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a US research institute dedicated to studies in the marine sciences, has revealed this. Before the industrial era, the ocean was a major producer of carbon dioxide, not a carbon sink. However, the study suggests that the ocean is currently overwhelmed and needs a savior. So, what is the biological pump?
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What Does Carbon Sink Mean?

Carbon makes for an essential component of most organic matter, from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to fossil fuels. However, too much carbon in the atmosphere is a threat to the Earth’s existence. Natural carbon sinks have been responsible for stabilizing the carbon level for years. From the early 1700s, human activity has increased the chemical in the oceans and atmosphere by over 30%. It was 275 parts per million (PPM) then, but today the value has risen to about 400 PPM.

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The Amazon: A carbon sink in decline

New research suggests that the amazon is now a net producer of greenhouse gasses. This is something scientists have warned of for decades, but how have we reached this point? Here we’ll dive into an explanation of why the Amazon is so important, how it works as a carbon sink and why it’s not functioning as one anymore.

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Carbon Dioxide Effects On Humans And The Environment

Introduction While carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for plant and animal survival, too much concentration in the atmosphere can have devastating consequences. CO2 has proven to be a significant contributor to air pollution, taking a substantial role in the greenhouse effect. That’s because carbon dioxide traps radiation at the ground level, resulting in ground-level ozone. That prevents the earth from cooling during the night and warms ocean waters. What Is Carbon Dioxide?
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