One of the major differences between Earth and its neighboring planets Venus and Mars is the lack of large quantities of CO₂ in its atmosphere.If all three planets were originally formed with significant quantities of this gas in their atmospheres,where is the majority of this CO₂ on Earth at the present time?
A) dissociated by UV and visible sunlight into carbon and oxygen that now exist in abundance as separate chemicals
B) concentrated low in the atmosphere near Earth's surface, where it contributes to the greenhouse effect
C) locked up in solid form within the polar caps
D) locked up in carbonate and carbon-rich rocks and minerals formed in the sea and on Earth's surface

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The majority of CO₂ on Earth at the present time is locked up in carbonate and carbon-rich rocks and minerals formed in the sea and on Earth's surface. These rocks are known as sedimentary rocks and are formed over long periods of time through the process of sedimentation and mineral precipitation. This removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere and its storage in rocks is known as carbon sequestration and has played a major role in regulating Earth's climate over geological timescales.

One of the Major Differences Between Earth and Its Neighboring