What role do diatoms play in the global carbon balance affecting global warming?

• A. Diatoms release large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
• B. Diatoms release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
• C. During a bloom, diatom populations increase rapidly, providing many more photosynthetic organisms to the plankton population.
• D. Diatomaceous earth can be used to filter carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• E. During a bloom, diatom populations may increase rapidly. If many diatoms die and sink to the bottom without being eaten, they effectively pump carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of diatoms in the ecosystem: Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton, which are microscopic organisms that live in aquatic environments. They are primary producers, meaning they perform photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight into organic matter, releasing oxygen in the process.
2. Recognize the process of photosynthesis: Diatoms, like other photosynthetic organisms, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and use it to produce energy. This process helps reduce the amount of CO2, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere, thus playing a role in mitigating global warming.
3. Consider the impact of diatom blooms: During a bloom, diatom populations can increase rapidly. This results in a higher rate of photosynthesis, which means more CO2 is absorbed from the atmosphere. This can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
4. Examine the fate of diatoms after a bloom: If many diatoms die and sink to the ocean floor without being consumed, they effectively sequester carbon. This process is known as the biological pump, where carbon is transferred from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
5. Evaluate the long-term impact on global carbon balance: The sequestration of carbon by diatoms can have a significant impact on the global carbon cycle. By removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in the ocean, diatoms help regulate the Earth's climate and contribute to the reduction of global warming.