Carbon Cycle Definition
Carbon cycle is the process where carbon compounds are interchanged among
the biosphere, geosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the
earth.
Carbon Cycle Steps
Following are the major steps involved in the process of the carbon cycle:
1) Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for
photosynthesis.
2) These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets
bioaccumulated into their bodies.
3) These animals and plants eventually die, and upon decomposing, carbon is
released back into the atmosphere.
4) Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere
eventually become fossil fuels.
5) These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pump more
carbon back into the atmosphere.
Carbon Cycle on Land
Carbon in the atmosphere is present in the form of carbon dioxide. Carbon enters
the atmosphere through natural processes such as respiration and industrial
applications such as burning fossil fuels. The process of photosynthesis involves
the absorption of CO2 by plants to produce carbohydrates. The equation is as
follows:
CO2 + H2O + energy → (CH2O)n +O2
Carbon compounds are passed along the food chain from the producers to
consumers. The majority of the carbon exists in the body in the form of carbon
dioxide through respiration. The role of decomposers is to eat the dead organism
and return the carbon from their body back into the atmosphere. The equation
for this process is:
(CH2O)n +O2 → CO2 + H2O
Oceanic Carbon Cycle
This is essentially a carbon cycle but in the sea. Ecologically, oceans take in more
carbon than it gives out. Hence, it is called a “carbon sink.” Marine animals
convert carbon to calcium carbonate and this forms the raw building materials
require to create hard shells, similar to the ones found in clams and oysters.
When organisms with calcium carbonate shells die, their body decomposes,
leaving behind their hard shells. These accumulate on the seafloor and are
eventually broken down by the waves and compacted under enormous pressure,
forming limestone.
When these limestone rocks are exposed to air, they get weathered and the
carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Importance of Carbon Cycle
Even though carbon dioxide is found in small traces in the atmosphere, it plays a
vital role in balancing the energy and traps the long-wave radiations from the sun.
Therefore, it acts like a blanket over the planet. If the carbon cycle is disturbed it
will result in serious consequences such as climatic changes and global warming.
Carbon is an integral component of every life form on earth. From proteins and
lipids to even our DNA. Furthermore, all known life on earth is based on carbon.
Hence, the carbon cycle, along with the nitrogen cycle and oxygen cycle, plays a
vital role in the existence of life on earth.
Key Points on Carbon Cycle
Carbon cycle explains the movement of carbon between the earth’s biosphere,
geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Carbon is an important element of life.
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is taken up by green plants and other
photosynthetic organisms and is converted into organic molecules that travel
through the food chain. Carbon atoms are then released as carbon dioxide when
organisms respire.
The formation of fossil fuels and sedimentary rocks contributes to the carbon
cycle for very long periods.
The carbon cycle is associated with the availability of other compounds as well.
