CO2 Level and Carbon Cycle Activity Essay
Rubrics:
Read the textbook about how humans are changing the Carbon Cycle and the creation of CO2.
Run this simulation (Links to an external site.)
Adjust the simulation with the suggestions below and write a reflection.
As you run this simulation, the purpose is to demonstrate the net change of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to human activities. This simulation is demonstrating where the excess CO2 is going in the bigger Carbon Cycle. It’s pretty cool simulation, yet it is also pretty depressing since it is showing what we are doing to tour earth.
1) Open the simulation (Links to an external site.) and run it with the pre-sets.
You can set the amount of fossil fuel we use (listed as percent change) and how many trees we cut down (listed as deforestation). The graph below the page shows CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The graph shows historical levels, the goals we want to achieve and where the CO2 levels will be using the adjustable inputs.
Look at the data and write a description of what is happening
2) Adjust some of the settings and see what happens
Please notice the area to the right side of the screen. It is showing the carbon cycle and where the carbon is actually ending up.
Read the graph at bottom and carbon levels on right side and interpret the results.
Look at the data and write a description of how adjusting the variables change things?
3) Please run the program at least 4 more times. Each time, project the levels for at least 100 years (take the simulation to 2120). Then run the simulation out to year 2500.
Please write a description that includes these prompts
Is there a point where we hit our goal for CO2 in atmosphere. Can we?
What would you suggest we do to bring the CO2 levels down? You can explore ideas not included this simulation. What are you as an individual going to do?
What will be the carbon and the CO2 levels be in 2120 and 2500
FYI at the top of the program there is a dropdown to change the “TABLEAU”. It’s default is basic. Please leave it a basic. The other selection is adding another variable – Melting Tundra. We will discuss what that means in class, Melting Tundra releases more CO2 and will increase Climate Change even more.