Which of the following is/are true?

1) Black Carbon, a particulate matter, contributes to fertility.

2) Black Carbon reduces albedo.

a. Only 1

b. Only 2

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

The term black carbon is also used in soil sciences and geology, referring either to deposited atmospheric black carbon or to directly incorporated black carbon from vegetation fires.

Especially in the tropics, black carbon in soils significantly contributes to fertility as it is able to absorb important plant nutrients.

Up to 30% of the total carbon stored in soils is contributed by black carbon.

Black carbon warms the Earth by absorbing sunlight and heating the atmosphere and by reducing albedo when deposited on snow and ice (direct effects) and indirectly by interaction with clouds.

Black carbon from smog and ash covers the glaciers, thereby making them prone to melting.

Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass produces black carbon.