Measuring Carbon Stored in Vegetation — Reading Comprehension

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Standards

7.RI.7.1

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Measuring carbon stored in vegetation is crucial for understanding climate change. Plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass. Scientists use methods like field sampling and remote sensing to measure carbon storage, which helps inform climate policies and reforestation efforts.

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carbon storage, vegetation, climate change, photosynthesis

Measuring the amount of carbon stored in vegetation is essential for understanding and combating climate change. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their leaves, stems, roots, and soil. This process, called carbon sequestration, helps reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Scientists use several methods to measure carbon storage. One common approach is field sampling, where researchers collect plant samples and analyze their carbon content in a lab. Another method is remote sensing, which uses satellites to estimate vegetation cover and carbon storage over large areas.

Forests are particularly important for carbon storage. For example, the Amazon rainforest stores billions of tons of carbon, helping regulate the global climate. However, deforestation releases this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Accurate measurements of carbon storage are crucial for creating effective climate policies. For instance, countries can use this data to track progress toward carbon neutrality and design reforestation programs.

Fun fact: A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO₂ per year, making forests vital for fighting climate change.

What is carbon sequestration?

Releasing carbon into the atmosphereStoring carbon in vegetation and soilBurning fossil fuelsCutting down trees

What method do scientists use to measure carbon storage in the field?

Remote sensingField samplingSatellite imagingComputer modeling

What is remote sensing used for?

Collecting plant samplesEstimating vegetation cover over large areasMeasuring soil pHCounting animals

Why are forests important for carbon storage?

They release carbon into the atmosphereThey store billions of tons of carbonThey increase global temperaturesThey reduce oxygen levels

What happens to stored carbon when forests are cut down?

It remains in the soilIt is released into the atmosphereIt turns into oxygenIt disappears

How can carbon storage data be used?

To promote deforestationTo track progress toward carbon neutralityTo increase fossil fuel useTo ignore climate change

What is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?

Forests produce no oxygenA single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO₂ per yearDeforestation reduces carbon emissionsRemote sensing is only used for weather forecasting

Why is measuring carbon storage important?

To increase deforestationTo understand and combat climate changeTo ignore environmental issuesTo promote fossil fuels