Examine how feedback loops can affect the processes and stores within the carbon cycle [10]

Feedback loops can be both positive and negative. Positive feedback loops speed up the trend such
as the trend of carbon increasing. However, negative feedback loops maintain dynamic equilibrium
by levelling out these trends.

One example of a positive feedback loop is the melting of permafrost which can increase
atmospheric carbon. It does this because the permafrost contains lots of methane and carbon
dioxide when it is frozen, but as it melts it causes the carbon dioxide and methane to be released
into the atmosphere from the cryosphere. This increases the atmospheric temperature as there are
more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which will cause the permafrost to melt even more
therefore repeating the process repeating the process.

WWW- the structure of my paragraph is good as it had a good flow

EBI- I went in to more detail about the impacts of the positive feedback loop

Another example of a positive feedback loop is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it in their
biomass. When trees are cut down and burned or left to decompose, the stored carbon is released
back into the atmosphere. This results in a net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to
further warming and more deforestation, creating a positive feedback loop.

Negative feedback loops work to counteract changes in the carbon cycle and maintain equilibrium.
An example of a negative feedback loop is the effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
on plant growth. As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase, plants are able to photosynthesize
more efficiently, leading to increased growth and the absorption of more carbon dioxide. This
increased plant growth creates more biomass, which can store carbon for long periods, helping to
remove carbon from the atmosphere and regulate the carbon cycle.

In conclusion, feedback loops play a critical role in regulating the carbon cycle, and their effects can
be both positive and negative. Positive feedback loops can amplify changes and lead to further
warming and carbon release, while negative feedback loops work to counteract changes and
maintain equilibrium. Understanding the impact of feedback loops on the carbon cycle is essential in
developing strategies for controlling the negative impacts of climate change.