Question 13 (1 point) Which human interaction would lead to an increase of atmospheric carbon? a Farmers adding excess fertilzer to crops Deforestation of large areas of land Replanting trees in an area A decrease in combustion of fossil fuels

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify which human interaction would lead to an increase in atmospheric carbon. The options provided are:<br />a) Farmers adding excess fertilizer to crops<br />b) Deforestation of large areas of land<br />c) Replanting trees in an area<br />d) A decrease in combustion of fossil fuels<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to understand that carbon is a key component of the carbon cycle, which is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />Among the options provided, deforestation of large areas of land would lead to an increase in atmospheric carbon. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to the increase in atmospheric carbon.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options, such as farmers adding excess fertilizer to crops, replanting trees in an area, and a decrease in combustion of fossil fuels, would not lead to an increase in atmospheric carbon. In fact, they would either decrease the amount of carbon in the atmosphere or have no significant impact.