Question

1. which carbon sinks showed the biggest increase? please explain why we would see that increase following the industrial revolution. 2. which showed the biggest decrease, please explain why we might see that decrease following the industrial revolution? 3. please write an overall summary that explains how humans have changed the carbon cycle on earth? in other words, how have humans changed the amounts of carbon in the different “sinks”

Explanation:

1. **Carbon sinks are natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb and store carbon - containing chemical compounds for long periods. After the industrial revolution, deforestation (a major carbon sink) for urbanization and agriculture has reduced the amount of carbon absorbed by forests. Also, increased burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that was previously stored underground. These activities have increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and decreased the capacity of carbon sinks.
2. The industrial revolution led to a significant increase in carbon emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy in factories, transportation, etc. There was a decrease in natural carbon - absorbing mechanisms like forests being cut down for timber and land for agriculture.
3. Humans have changed the carbon cycle by deforestation (removing trees that absorb carbon dioxide), burning fossil fuels (releasing stored carbon), and industrial processes that emit carbon - containing pollutants. This has disrupted the natural balance of carbon in the atmosphere, oceans, and land - based carbon sinks.

Answer:

1. After the industrial revolution, deforestation and burning of fossil fuels have increased atmospheric carbon and decreased carbon - sink capacity.
2. Industrial revolution increased carbon emissions from fossil - fuel burning and decreased natural carbon absorption via deforestation.
3. Humans have disrupted the carbon cycle through deforestation, fossil - fuel burning, and industrial pollution, changing carbon amounts in different sinks.