Carbon Cycle
From Science Online
What are the forms of the carbon that are used by biology?
The carbon cycle is one of the biogeochemical cycles in which carbon is exchanged in the atmosphere. Carbon is taken from the atmosphere in a couple of ways: from the surface of the ocean, from the top of the ocean, and from the weathering of silicate rock. Carbon is put back into the atmosphere through respiration, combustion, reactions in limestone, meatmorphism and volcanic explosions. Carbon is used in biology during photosynthesis, cellular respiration, fossil fuel emissions, and combustion. Also, carbon is found in organic compounds, DNA, RNA and many other things on Earth. Although carbon is not very abundant, it is said to be the basis of all life. CO2 is the most abundant form of Carbon.
What is (are) the source(s) of this element on the planet?
There are many sources of carbon on the planet. carbon makes up a good portion of the tissue of living organisms. It is also a vital element in the process of photosynthesis. plants use carbon to ultimately release O2 into the atmosphere which is then used in the process of cellular respiration. Most of the carbon on the planet can be found inside sedimentary rocks,in the soil,the ocean and other wetlands,in the atmosphere for example as a bi-product of cellular respiration, bi-product of burning fossil fuels.(most of earths carbon is in the atmosphere), biomass burning,methane oxidation, NMHC oxidation, OH reaction,stratospheric destruction,soil uptake, and inside vegetation stored for photosynthesis.
Sources of Carbon on Earth: [[1]]
What is (are) the sink(s) for this element on the planet?
Carbon may be stored in the roots, leaves, and wood of a tree. Additionally, other plants and soil are also sinks for carbon. Fossil fuel deposits are another form of carbon store found deep within the earth's surface.
Over what time scale does this cycle occur?
The carbon cycle occurs geologically (the geological features of an area) over a very large time scale (millions of years) while biologically (of or relating to life and living things) and physically it occurs over a shorter time scale (days to thousands of years).
Over what spatial scale does this cycle occur?
The carbon cycle takes place over an unknown spatial scale due to changes in enviromental factors. The release of carbon from vegetation depends on the condition of the agriculture. other factors such as the burning of fossil fuels will also impact the cycle. Photosynthesis, fossil fuels,decomposition, El Nino effects, and climatic warming (Global warming) can cause major changes in the time period of the carbon cycle.
Name and describe the biological and geological process involved in the transformations in this cycle.
The biological and geolical processes that cause the movement of carbon from its four major recieve from the atmosphere or directly from sunlight into sugar, the cooling of the oceans seawater, which makes CO2 more soluble;organisms in the ocean forming tissues causing oxidation and redissolving the carbon to create a downward flow.;weathering down of rocks that store carbon; respiration puts carbon back into the atomosphere;decaying plant and animal matter;combustions;and volcanic eruptions which cause carbon to be realeased into the atomosophere.
Name and describe the organisms involved in the processes of this cycle.
Plants are the starting point of the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants absorb the carbon from the air and incorporate it into their leaves, wood, flowers etc. This organic matter provides food for heterotrophs (organisms that eat other organisms), while autotrophs produce their own food using carbon from the air, water or wherever the organism live. By releasing the energy from the food that heterotrophs and autotrophs eat, carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
Describe how humans interact with and have altered this biogeochemical cycle (i.e., air pollution and the greenhouse, agriculture using inorganic fertilizers, etc.)
Among the many factors that has caused the carbon cycle to slowly detiorate, human interaction has caused the most damage. These interactions include the following: Fossil fuel use by automotive vehicles, appliances, and motor-based processing machines; CFC's such as Aerosols, refrigeration, and industrial uses; Biomass burning by land cleaning and biomass fuel; Agricultural use such for paddy rice, cattle, and nitrogen fertilization; And landfill capacities.
Diagrams:
The Carbon Cycle in the Atmosphere: [2]
Human Interactions with the Carbon Cycle: [3]
References:
[4] [5] [6] [7] (Schlesinger, 1997) (Cunningham, 2001)
