Atmosphere-Ocean Relationships

All of the products are exchanged except for nitrogen dioxide; most nitrates are exchanged between the soil and the atmosphere. Oxygen is readily exchanged between air masses and water masses during the water cycle. Carbon dioxide is also absorbed by the oceans from air masses through gas exchange. Lastly, heat is also exchanged mainly due to the differences in specific heat content of water and the surrounding air.

Unlike the other processes, driving a hybrid vehicle does not actively remove carbon from the atmosphere. Trees and native flora that are planted absorb atmospheric carbon, fossilization removes carbon from the active recycling of carbon, and carbon dioxide readily dissolves in seawater. Driving a hybrid car releases less carbon into the atmosphere than driving one powered solely by fossil fuels; however, driving a hybrid vehicle does not actively remove carbon from the atmosphere. Hybrid vehicles produce fewer carbon emissions, but they do not take carbon out of the atmosphere.