Which process contributes to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in sediments?

Which process contributes to carbon sequestration by storing carbon in sediments?

• A. Sedimentation
• B. Respiration
• C. Evaporation
• D. Combustion

Answer: (A)

Carbon sequestration in sediments occurs when carbon-containing particles settle and become buried in sediment layers. This burial traps organic carbon and carbonate minerals, keeping them out of the atmosphere for long periods and effectively locking carbon away. Other processes here don’t store carbon in sediments: respiration releases CO2 as organisms break down organic matter, evaporation relates to water moving between air and surface and doesn’t bury carbon, and combustion releases stored carbon as CO2 when organic matter is burned.

Carbon sequestration in sediments occurs when carbon-containing particles settle and become buried in sediment layers. This burial traps organic carbon and carbonate minerals, keeping them out of the atmosphere for long periods and effectively locking carbon away. Other processes here don’t store carbon in sediments: respiration releases CO2 as organisms break down organic matter, evaporation relates to water moving between air and surface and doesn’t bury carbon, and combustion releases stored carbon as CO2 when organic matter is burned.