Question

Did you know that the atmosphere only contains about 1% of total global carbon?

Answer 1

Part 1: Reservoirs of carbon
Oceans, atmosphere and terrestrial biosphere are the reservoirs of carbon.

Part 2: Significance of each reservoir
The importance of each reservoir with respect to carbon concentration is as follows:-

• Oceans: Carbon in the form of carbonic acid is present in the oceans. Oceans are the major sinks for carbon containing 71% of the total global carbon.
• Terrestrial: Most carbon is tied up in coal, limestone and other deposits.
• Atmosphere: The carbon in the form of carbon dioxide is less (1% of the total global carbon).