biological carbon pump
The biological carbon pump is a natural process in the ocean where tiny organisms, primarily phytoplankton, absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When these organisms die or are consumed, their remains sink to the ocean floor, effectively transporting carbon to deeper waters and storing it away from the atmosphere for long periods. This process helps regulate Earth's climate by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, making the biological carbon pump a crucial component of the global carbon cycle and an important factor in mitigating climate change.
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The biological carbon pump is a natural process in the ocean that helps regulate Earth's carbon levels. Tiny marine organisms, like phytoplankton, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. When these organisms die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking the carbon with them. This process effectively removes carbon from the surface waters and atmosphere, helping to combat climate change. By storing carbon in deep ocean sediments, the biological carbon pump plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet's climate balance and enhancing the ocean's ability to absorb excess CO2.