What are carbon stores?

Carbon stores refer specifically to locations where carbon accumulates over time. This accumulation can occur in various forms, including organic matter in soils, forests, wetlands, and even in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. When carbon is deposited and retained in these environments, it plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The other options do not accurately define carbon stores. Areas with high biodiversity, for instance, while they may contribute to carbon storage through healthy ecosystems, are not specifically defined by their carbon accumulation. Regions with abundant carbon monoxide are not relevant to carbon stores either, as carbon monoxide is a different compound that does not signify accumulation of carbon in the context of storage. Lastly, places of high fossil fuel extraction may contribute to carbon emissions rather than serving as stores of carbon, as fossil fuels are removed from these locations and burned, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere.