The ocean stores carbon from its interactions with the
atmosphere, so the ocean serves as (a) _________ for
the carbon cycle. (1 point)
carbon source
carbon flux
carbon sink
carbon dioxide
carbon sink
The ocean serves as a carbon sink for the carbon cycle.
To determine the correct answer, let's consider the options and their meanings related to the carbon cycle:
1. Carbon source: A carbon source refers to a location or process that releases carbon into the atmosphere. This is the opposite of what the question is asking, as it states that the ocean stores carbon from its interactions with the atmosphere.
2. Carbon flux: Carbon flux represents the movement of carbon between different reservoirs in the carbon cycle. It does not accurately describe the role of the ocean in storing carbon.
3. Carbon sink: A carbon sink is a place or process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, effectively storing it. This option aligns with the statement in the question that the ocean stores carbon from its interactions with the atmosphere.
4. Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and a significant component of the carbon cycle, but it does not specifically address the role of the ocean in storing carbon.
Given the explanations provided, the correct answer is "carbon sink." The ocean serves as a carbon sink for the carbon cycle.