Carbon Cycle

Chapter 2

Carbon

• Most abundant element found in living organisms.

• The Carbon Cycle is when the carbon atoms flow from living organisms to the atmosphere, the oceans, and the soil.

Parts of the Carbon Cycle

• Respiration-both plants and animals releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

• Photosynthesis-using light, plants take carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and turn it into sugars that are used to make new plant parts (leaves, roots, etc.).

Parts of the Carbon Cycle continued…

• Decomposition-as something rots and breaks down, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere, OR if the conditions are right, it will turn into fossil fuels (oil, coal).

• Combustion-when the fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide (and maybe some carbon monoxide) are released.

The Role of the Oceans

• When the carbon content of the atmosphere is high, the oceans absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide.

• The oceans release the carbon dioxide back into the air when the atmospheric levels are low.

• However, because we have been burning large amounts of fossil fuels the last 100 years or so, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising faster than the oceans can keep up.

Carbon Cycle with pictures and arrows

• Please see Figure 2-9 on page 26.