Carbon Source, Carbon Sinks, Release Agents

A carbon sink is anything that removes the carbon from the air. For example, some plants in the ocean uses photosynthesis to take in the carbon. The plants then give out oxygen for fishes to breathe. Also, the phytoplankton in the ocean also takes in the carbon. Some carbon sinks on the land include long -lived trees, limestone, and shells. You can think of carbon sinks as incinerators. The carbon sinks take out the carbon, and the carbon disappears.

A carbon source is anything that gives out carbon. For example, burning fossil fuels is a carbon source. The burning releases carbon, which joins with oxygen to become CO2. The oxygen we breathe has two molecules, representing the two in CO2. Carbon is C, and there is only one molecule of carbon in each piece. Carbon sources can vary from a train running on coal to people breathing and sticking their tongue out. Just as how a mother gives milk to her baby, the carbon source gives out carbon.

A release agent is anything that releases out carbon. Unlike carbon sources, release agents are natural. For example, a volcano has to blow off its top sometime. Volcanic activity could release carbon into the air as a billowing ash cloud. Maybe, a thunderstorm may occur and lightning may strike. Some trees could get on fire. Burning of trees releases carbon as well. But this cause is natural. Some of other examples of release agents include peace signs and people jumping rope.