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)?
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.