Black Carbon

Q.  Which of the following is/are true?

1) Black Carbon, a particulate matter, contributes to fertility.
2) Black Carbon reduces albedo.
- Published on 13 May 16

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2
 
  • The term black carbon is also used in soil sciences and geology, referring either to deposited atmospheric black carbon or to directly incorporated black carbon from vegetation fires.
  • Especially in the tropics, black carbon in soils significantly contributes to fertility as it is able to absorb important plant nutrients.
  • Up to 30% of the total carbon stored in soils is contributed by black carbon.
  • Black carbon warms the Earth by absorbing sunlight and heating the atmosphere and by reducing albedo when deposited on snow and ice (direct effects) and indirectly by interaction with clouds.
  • Black carbon from smog and ash covers the glaciers, thereby making them prone to melting.
  • Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass produces black carbon.

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