Question

How are carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere affected by tectonic uplift of rocks and their resultant chemical weathering?

Answer 1

Answer:

The levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere are reduced

Explanation:

Tectonic uplift refers to the process by which the surface of the earth slowly rises either due to increasing upward force applied from the plates below the surface or decreasing downward force or weight of objects like melting glaciers acting from above. During uplift, land, as well as the sea floor rises forming mountains, plateaus and volcanic Islands.

During the process of weathering, carbon dioxide present in air combines with rainwater and forms carbonic acid. This acidic rainwater then falls on uplifted mountains and rocks weathering them in the process. Minerals present in the rock such as calcium, magnesium and sodium then combine with bicarbonate ions to form carbonates such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate which are found in shells of living and dead organisms and also form rocks such as limestone. In this way, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.