These maps/diagrams show carbon distribution. Interestingly, the concentration of Crabon in the oceans is far higher around the south pole...anyone know why this is?
As you can see, the total amount of Carbon in the oceans is 36,000 Gtc (mostly in the form of bicarbonate ion), in the biosphere there is around 1,900 Gtc, and lastly, around 750 Gtc in the atmosphere. The other diagram below shows this as well.
It is my understanding that even without the changes in climate, increased concentrations of CO2 could have a significant impact on patterns of plant growth worldwide. Changes in CO2 concentration could lead to changing growth patterns, and this environment would allow shrubs (which have a slightly different photosynthetic pathway), to invade and colonise grasslands. Other less commonly heard of effects include the contamination of groundwater due to rising sea levels, and on a more positive note, the increase in the amount of rainfall to the Sahara. (Though some would argue that this is not good, as it will lead to locsut swarms). Other effects include changing migration routes for insects, the blocking of many water flows (such as the gulf stream), and an increase in forest fires. (As welll as more obvious ones such as rising sea levels and dcreasing agricultural output.)
Wikipedia seems to support this:
Effects of global warming - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diagram showing risks:
Map showing distribution of Carbon in oceans:
Carbon cycle in the atmosphere etc:
Hopefully that was some help...
