How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle? (1 point)
• 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.
• Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.
• 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.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and organisms that were buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. These fuels are primarily made up of carbon compounds.
When we burn fossil fuels for energy, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. This process is known as combustion.
The release of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels is a significant contributor to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which is the main cause of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. The excess carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and various environmental impacts.
Understanding the role of fossil fuels in the carbon cycle is crucial in addressing climate change. As fossil fuels are finite resources and contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, it is important to transition to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.