Question

Why are atmospheric CO₂ concentrations low in the Northern Hemisphere in summer and high in the winter?

1. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations do not vary significantly over the season.

2. Hotter temperatures reduce the ability of CO2 to remain in the atmosphere.

3. More driving occurs during the summer months.

4. Photosynthetic activity is increased in the summer relative to the winter.

Answer 1

4. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations low in the Northern Hemisphere in summer and high in the winter because photosynthetic activity is increased in the summer relative to the winter. Due to longer days in summer, photosynthesis rate increased. In dark or winter, it converts oxygen and carbohydrates into CO₂ and thus increase concentration in winter. On the other hand in summer seasons, plants blooms in large number, resulting it to convert into oxygen and resulting in a decrease in  CO_2. In Northern hemisphere, large biomass is present as compared to Southern hemisphere and this large biomass increased in summer and draw more CO₂ and decrease its content.