Carbon Cycle

• Carbon Cycle

  The process where carbon compounds are interchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the earth
• Simplified Steps of Carbon Cycle

  1. Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis

  2. Plants are consumed by animals and carbon gets bio accumulated into their bodies

  3. Upon decomposition, these plants and animals release carbon into the atmosphere

  4. Some of these carbon becomes fossil fuels over time

  5. Fossil fuels are used for human activities, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere
• Organic compounds


  • They are an essential part of the cells of all living organisms
  • They can form millions of stable and diverse compounds, ranging from simple to extremely complex
• Photosynthesis


  Reactants: Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) + Light energy

  Products: Glucose (C6H12O6) + Oxygen (O2)
• Respiration


  Reactants: Glucose (C6H12O6) + Oxygen (O2)

  Products: Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) + Energy (in the form of ATP)
• Decomposition


  Reactants: Complex organic compounds found in dead organic matter

  Products: Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) + Nutrients
• Fossilization


  The process by which an organism's remnants or traces are preserved in the fossil record
• Sedimentation

  The process by which sediments like sand, mud, and silt are deposited as a result of the action of water, wind, or ice. Sedimentary rocks form as sediment layers are compressed and cemented over time.
• Combustion


  A chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer, usually oxygen, that generates heat and produces products like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other combustion byproducts. It is crucial in many processes, including production, transportation, and energy.
• Oceanic Carbon Cycle


  The procedures through which carbon dioxide (CO2) is transferred from the atmosphere to the oceans. It includes: Atmosphere-ocean gas exchange, Biological production and consumption, Carbon movement within the ocean.
• Oceanic carbon cycle


  1. Atmosphere-ocean gas exchange

  2. Biological production and consumption

  3. Carbon movement within the ocean
• IPCC


  A scientific organization that investigates climate change, carefully assesses the effect of human activities on the carbon cycle and climate change
• Earth Temperature


  Carbon comprises Carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas. Without this (and other greenhouse gasses in small quantities), the Earth would freeze.
• Photosynthesis


  A process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy
• Respiration


  A biological process that occurs in all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
• Decomposition


  Organic matters are broken down by decomposers into simpler compounds.
• Burning Fossil Fuels as a Human Activity


  Burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy is the largest human source of CO2 emissions. Home energy use, industrial processes, and transportation are major contributors.
• Deforestation as Human Activity


  Forests absorb CO2 and store it through photosynthesis. When

  forests are cleared for logging, agriculture, or urban expansion, carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2.
• Effects of Human Activities on the Carbon Cycle

  • Burning fossil fuels and deforestation have led to increased emissions of CO2, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
  • These activities have disrupted the carbon cycle, causing higher levels of atmospheric CO2.
  • The accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere traps heat, leading to global warming and climate change.
• Chemical Weathering


  the break off of rocks
• Type of sedimentary rock in the carbon cycle


  Limestone