Question

1. clear - cutting removes vast amounts of forests and greatly impacts many aspects of the environment. which statement describes an immediate consequence of clear - cutting on the cycling of carbon through the environment? carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere increase. the amount of available fossil fuels decreases. carbon that is stored is converted by microbes into carbon dioxide. oceans have more carbon dioxide dissolved in them.

Explanation:

Trees absorb carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) during photosynthesis. When forests are cleared - cut, there are fewer trees to perform this function. Also, decomposing or burning the cut - down trees releases more $CO_2$ into the atmosphere. So, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere increase as a direct and immediate result of clear - cutting.
The amount of available fossil fuels is not directly related to clear - cutting in terms of an immediate consequence. The conversion of carbon stored into carbon dioxide by microbes is a longer - term process (decomposition) and not the most immediate impact. Oceans having more carbon dioxide dissolved in them is a secondary effect (due to increased atmospheric $CO_2$ levels) and not the immediate consequence of clear - cutting.

Answer:

Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere increase.