Question

Read the following statements and mark the incorrect one with reference to the carbon cycle.

• A. Atmospheric carbon dioxide can dissolve in water
• B. Carbon dioxide is anthropogenically returned to the atmosphere by combustion of fossil fuel
• C. Lime rocks contribute to the carbon dioxide of water
• D. 1% of total carbon lies in lithosphere

Answer 1

The correct option is D 1% of total carbon lies in lithosphere

Carbon cycle is a gaseous cycle and 71% of the carbon is found dissolved in oceans. Carbon cycling occurs through the atmosphere, ocean and through living and dead organisms. Atmospheric carbon dioxide gets dissolved in water because of partial charges on carbon and oxygen molecules. Fossil fuel also represents a percentage of carbon which is returned to the atmosphere by combustion. The carbonic acid that forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, in turn, dissolves carbonate rocks and releases carbon dioxide; thus lime rocks contribute to the carbon dioxide of water.