Why do scientists think there is an undiscovered carbon sink somewhere?

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Chemistry

11 May, 00:37

Why do scientists think there is an undiscovered carbon sink somewhere?

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Yasmine Frazier · Answer 1

When scientists calculate how much carbon dioxide is release and how much is returned to atmosphere and oceans, a large amount is unaccounted for.

Arely Glover · Answer 2

The major carbon sources (reservoirs that release more carbon than absorbed) are: deforestation and fossil fuels

The major carbon sinks (reservoirs that absorb more carbon than released) are:

soil, oceans and plants.

When scientists calculate the amount of carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere vs the released the amount of carbon, a large amount is unaccounted for and the total does not add up. This is why scientists believe there is an undiscovered carbon sink somewhere.