How carbon moves naturally through the carbon cycle

Describe how carbon moves naturally through the carbon cycle without human interference.

· Then explain how humans are affecting the carbon cycle. How does carbon in the atmosphere affect overall global temperature?

· Are you personally altering the carbon cycle (indirectly or directly)?

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Sample Answer

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Carbon is stored in all of these spheres, and it moves between them through a variety of processes.

Here is how carbon moves naturally through the carbon cycle without human interference:

  • The carbon cycle begins with plants. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. They use this carbon dioxide to create glucose, which is their food source.
  • When plants die, they release their carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide can then be used by other plants to create glucose.
  • Some of the carbon that plants take in is stored in their tissues. When these plants die, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere, or it can be buried in the ground.

Full Answer Section

  • Carbon can also be stored in the ocean. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid. This carbonic acid can then react with other chemicals in the ocean to form carbonate minerals. These carbonate minerals can then be deposited on the ocean floor.
  • Volcanoes can also release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide comes from the breakdown of rocks deep underground.

Humans are affecting the carbon cycle in a number of ways:

  • We are burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are made up of the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. When we burn these fuels, we release the carbon that was stored in them back into the atmosphere.
  • We are clearing forests, which reduces the amount of carbon that is stored in plants. When we clear forests, we release the carbon that was stored in the plants back into the atmosphere.
  • We are using land for agriculture, which can also release carbon into the atmosphere. When we use land for agriculture, we often till the soil. This tilling releases carbon that was stored in the soil back into the atmosphere.

Carbon in the atmosphere affects overall global temperature by trapping heat. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere. The more carbon dioxide there is in the atmosphere, the more heat is trapped, and the warmer the planet becomes.

Yes, I am personally altering the carbon cycle indirectly. I am doing this by using electricity and transportation that rely on fossil fuels. I am also contributing to deforestation by eating meat, which requires land to be cleared for grazing.

There are a number of things that I can do to reduce my impact on the carbon cycle. I can switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. I can also reduce my reliance on transportation by walking, biking, or taking public transportation. I can also eat less meat, which will help to reduce deforestation.

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