
sinks
In environmental science, a sink refers to any process or reservoir that absorbs and stores substances like carbon dioxide or pollutants from the environment. For example, forests and oceans act as carbon sinks because they take in more CO2 than they release, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Sinks are important for maintaining environmental balance, helping to mitigate effects of pollution and climate change. They contrast with sources, which release substances into the environment. Understanding sinks helps us manage natural systems and develop strategies to protect our planet.