In an ecological experiment, scientists monitored the carbon cycle within a sealed, self-sustaining biodome ("Biosphere-Beta") containing a simulated tropical rainforest.
The table below shows the annual rates of carbon transfer into and out of the biodome's atmosphere due to various biological and chemical processes.
| Process | Direction of carbon movement | Mass of carbon transferred per year / tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | Out of the atmosphere | 524.3 |
| Respiration (plants and animals) | Into the atmosphere | 245.8 |
| Decomposition (soil microbes) | Into the atmosphere | 312.4 |
| Soil carbonate precipitation | Out of the atmosphere | 15.6 |
| Aqueous tank absorption | Out of the atmosphere | 38.2 |
| Auxiliary gas combustion | Into the atmosphere | 42.5 |
Calculate the net mass of carbon added to the biodome's atmosphere each year.
