Carbon cycle

• Key words

  • photosynthesis
  • respiration
  • decomposition
  • combustion
  • weathering
  • sedimentation
  • feeding
• Key words with diagram

  A) Photosynthesis

  B) respiration

  C) decomposition

  D) combustion

  E) sedimentation

  F) weathering

  G) feeding

  
• Photosynthesis

  Carbon dioxide (in air and water) is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis and becomes compounds in tissues
• Feeding

  Passed to primary consumers, then secondary and tertiary consumers when EATEN
• Decomposition


  living organisms die and carbon compounds are digested by decomposers - saprobiontic nutrition
• Respiration


  returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and water
• Fossilisation


  if no decomposers are present, fossil fuels form over millions of years with heat and pressure
• Combustion


  Occurs in burning of fossil fuels for energy or from burning any carbon compounds lol
• Sedimentation and rock formation


  coal and other rocks are deposited on the sea floor (limestone and chalk (CaCO3) from crabs and mussels shells)
• Sedimentation and rock formation


  movement of tectonic plates cause rocks to be drawn down and undergo a chemical change, carbon dioxide is released through volcanoes
• chemical weathering


  • slightly acidic rain water (CO2)
  • HCO3- can be released and end up in bodies of water to form carbon containing compounds there
• physical weathering


  • plants or animals cause damage
• oceans


  carbon dioxide can dissolve into oceans and is transported in the ocean by deep underwater currents
• Decomposers - rate of decay


  • plenty of microbes
  • warmth
  • oxygen
  • moisture
• What are the main carbon reservoirs on Earth?


  1. Atmosphere (CO2, methane)
  2. Biosphere (living organisms and organic matter)
  3. Hydrosphere (oceans, lakes, rivers)
  4. Lithosphere (rocks, sediments, fossil fuels)
• What role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?


  • Act as a sink and source of carbon
  • Absorb large amounts of atmospheric CO2
  • Form carbonic acid (H2CO3)
  • Support marine life through photosynthesis
  • Contribute to carbonate formation
  • Experience ocean acidification
• What is the role of sedimentation in the carbon cycle?


  • Carbon-containing materials settle to the ocean floor
  • Form sediments and eventually sedimentary rocks
  • Store carbon long-term in the lithosphere
  • Weathering can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere
• Saprobiontic nutrition


  • decomposers
  • secrete external enzymes - extra-cellular digestion
  • not all products from enzymes are absorbed by saprobionts, allows other organisms to absorb minerals from the environment