Carbon Cycle : Definition, Steps, & Diagram

Definition,Types & Importance

Carbon Cycle Steps: Most of the time, carbon is called as the “chemical building block of life” because living organisms are made up of it.

Hence, if that is the case, identifying how carbon molecules work in an environment is an important indication of whether a certain environment can accommodate life.

It is important to note that the amount of carbon on earth itself and its atmosphere is fixed but always converted into different compounds, be it living or nonliving in nature.

In general, there is a constant amount of carbon present on the planet and in its atmosphere. However, that “constant” amount is always being transformed into other forms and being moved between both living and non-living things. How does this process actually work? What drives the carbon atoms to move? Scroll down to find out more.

What is the Carbon Cycle? The carbon cycle is a series of events that involves the cyclic movement and transformation of carbon between living organisms and the environment. Essentially, this is a natural way of reusing carbon molecules in different geographic locations. Basically, three major carbon-bearing reservoirs exist in the planet: the lithosphere (land), the hydrosphere (water), and the atmosphere (air).

All of which are acted upon out by the biosphere (living organisms). Living organisms, in general, play an important role in maintaining the balance between the other reservoirs.

By determining the interaction between these reservoirs and tracing the route through which carbon are transported from the source to the sink, the interconnected carbon cycles on Earth are described precisely. The carbon cycle is a series of events that involves the cyclic movement and transformation of carbon between living organisms and the environment. Essentially, this is a natural way of reusing carbon molecules in different geographic locations.

Carbon Cycle Steps

All in all, biological and geological processes are important in maintaining the carbon balance in the planet. The carbon cycle is divided into the following steps:

1. Entry of Carbon into the Atmosphere The entry of carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere marks the start of the carbon cycle. Before this, carbon dioxide goes through the process of respiration (process by which organisms release energy from their food) and combustion (process of burning). Such processes both involve the releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The entry of carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere marks the start of the carbon cycle. Before this, carbon dioxide goes through the process of respiration (process by which organisms releasefrom their food) and combustion (process of burning). Such processes both involve the releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

2. Carbon Dioxide Absorption By Producers The next step is the entry of the carbon dioxide in the photosynthetic process. Photosynthetic organisms like plants and algae (called as producers) transform carbon dioxide into sugars for energy use and for their own reproduction. The next step is the entry of the carbon dioxide in the photosynthetic process. Photosynthetic organisms likeand(called as producers) transform carbon dioxide into sugars for energy use and for their own reproduction.

3. Passing of the Carbon Compounds in the Food Chain Following the above step is the entry of the carbon compounds from the plants (producers) themselves to the food chain. When animals consume (hence consume) these plants, the carbon compounds are received by them. Following the above step is the entry of the carbon compounds from the plants (producers) themselves to the food chain. Whenconsume (hence consume) these plants, the carbon compounds are received by them.

4. Return of the Carbon To the Atmosphere The next step is the return of the carbon to the atmosphere due to the decomposers (bacteria and fungi) eating the dead bodies of animals. This is because the process of decomposition gives off carbon dioxide as a by-product. The next step is the return of the carbon to the atmosphere due to the decomposers (and) eating the dead bodies of animals. This is because the process of decomposition gives off carbon dioxide as a by-product.

Two Types of Carbon Cyling

In general, the carbon cycle can be divided (depending on how long it takes to occur) into two types: short term and long term.

1. Short Term This type of carbon cycling involves the annual changes that occur within the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, and the marine ecosystem. This type of cycling is named as such because the movement of carbon across reservoirs only takes relatively short time (minutes, hours, days, months, or years). This type of carbon cycling involves the annual changes that occur within the atmosphere, terrestrial ecosystems, and the

2. Long Term This type of carbon cycling is the slower form since it takes thousands to millions of years to occur. The excess carbons from the short term cycling are stored into the “long term” reservoir until they are removed after a long time. This type of carbon cycling is the slower form since it takes thousands to millions of years to occur.

Here is the beautiful video produced by the NASA supercomputer project, which shows the CO2 emission from our earth by combining several Satellite images and earth system models. You can read more about this project here.

Importance of Carbon Cycle

Like any other naturally cycles, the carbon cycle is essential for living organisms and biological systems in general. Discussed below are some of them:

1. Essential For Life As alluded to earlier, all living organisms are made up of carbon or one way or another; hence, the mere fact of it is very essential for life itself. When the process fails, life may begin to disrupt, and may even cause the cessation of it. As alluded to earlier, all living organisms are made up of carbon or one way or another; hence, the mere fact of it is very essential for life itself. When the process fails, life may begin to disrupt, and may even cause the cessation of it.

2. Important For the Maintenance of the Balance in Ecosystems The process of carbon cycle is very important in the maintenance of balance in ecosystems due to the movement of carbon in various reservoirs. If ever imbalance happens, serious environmental disasters like global warming may occur. At present, scientists and researchers alike are still searching for novel methods of using other non-carbon sources for energy resource. The process of carbon cycle is very important in the maintenance of balance in ecosystems due to the movement of carbon in various reservoirs. If ever imbalance happens, serious environmental disasters like global warming may occur.

3. Critical To Food Chain The close relationship between carbon cycle and food chain boils down to the fact that all living organisms are made up of carbon. Through food chains (and food webs), the carbon present in the producers migrate to the consumers that eat them. Consumers that eat other consumers as well receive the carbon from their food as well. The close relationship between carbon cycle and food chain boils down to the fact that all living organisms are made up of carbon.

4. Important For Climate Regulation Carbon dioxide and methane are the two carbon-based gases that significantly contribute to global warming. Since they are made up of carbon, the process of carbon cycle obviously determine the amount of these gases in the atmosphere. When there is a huge amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, the level of greenhouse gases increases, and therefore trapping more heat in the Earth. Hence, the understanding of how carbon cycle occurs in the environment paves the way for the development of the understanding for world climate. Carbon dioxide and methane are the two carbon-based gases that significantly contribute to global warming. Since they are made up of carbon, the process of carbon cycle obviously determine the amount of these gases in the atmosphere.

Humans, in general, have already disturbed the natural process of the carbon cycle since the start of the industrial revolution. Look around you. It is already becoming apparent how the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (and other greenhouse gases) are increasing due to domestic and other anthropogenic activities.

The disadvantages of such activities remain uncertain, but in the long run, we know for sure that it would sooner cause major drawbacks to life.

As a concerned human being on this planet, how can you contribute to mitigating the worsening of global climate change?

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What Is the Carbon Cycle? Photosynthesis, Decomposition, Respiration and Combustion

Carbon cycles from the atmosphere into plants and living things. For example, carbon is a pollutant in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

But it’s also the most important building block for all living things including glucose.

Over millions of years, carbon can get re-purposed into hydrocarbons. This is the long-term carbon cycle.

So, carbon takes up various forms: glucose in plants, carbon dioxide in the air, and hydrocarbons like coal.

But today, we’ll talk about the short-term carbon cycle that just takes days, months, or years for carbon to cycle through the environment.

1. Photosynthesis

Plants pull carbon dioxide out of the air through photosynthesis. Even though carbon dioxide makes up less than 1% of the atmosphere, it plays a major role for living things.

With CO 2 and H 2 O in the atmosphere, photosynthesis produces sugars like glucose. This is the plant material that plants synthesize on their own.

If you have the right conditions, this process can repeat for centuries. Not only does photosynthesis pulls carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, but it fuels all living things as a source of energy.

2. Decomposition

By mostly using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, plants can grow. In turn, animals consume food for energy using O 2 and giving off CO 2 . Alternatively, they die, decay, and decompose repeating for millions of years.

Decomposition is the process of breaking down plants. Over vast periods of time, layers of sediment build on each other. Because of the pressure and heat from within the Earth’s crust, it generates fossil fuels. Much of this happened during the Carboniferous Era.

For example, coal, oil, and natural gas (methane) are some of the common fossil fuels. Over the long term, the decomposition of dead matter generates these fossil fuel products.

Anaerobic decomposition involves bacteria breaking down organic matter such as glucose into CO 2 and methane (CH 4 ). The nutrient cycle recycles inorganic and organic material in the soil through the process of decomposition. Then, it goes back again through the same process again.

3. Respiration

You and I are both made of carbon. We consume plants. But we also breathe in the air, which has carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.

Animals rely on plants for food, energy, and oxygen. Our cells require oxygen to break down the food we consume through cellular respiration.

Once consumed, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere because of cell respiration. In turn, this CO 2 produced from respiring cells can be used in photosynthesis again.

In other words, plants use solar energy to break apart that same carbon dioxide in the air. Through photosynthesis, it uses that same carbon for plant material in turn releasing oxygen again.

4. Combustion

Our cars use the energy released by burning fossil fuels. And carbon is also a pollutant as carbon dioxide.

We extract fossil fuels, combustion involves burning them to release energy. But a by-product of combustion is that it releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And too much CO2 increases the greenhouse effect.

Because we deplete our oil reserves by adding CO 2 into the air daily, it affects the carbon cycle with an imbalance of oxygen and carbon. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.

But there is a limit to how much fossil fuels we can extract. Over millions of years, phytoplankton resting on the ocean surface photosynthesizes and takes in CO 2 .

Using sunlight creates a molecule called glucose (C6H12O6) and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Humans discovered these fossil fuels beneath the ocean. We started to drill the ancient plankton, which over millions of years ago, became the oil we use today.

Long-term carbon cycle summary

Today, you’ve learned how carbon cycles from the atmosphere and then into plants and living things. But the distinction between the short-term carbon cycle is that this cycle takes millions of years to come full circle.

Instead of carbon converting into sugars, carbon is re-purposed into fossil fuels like coal. When plants are buried and compacted over millions of years, they become hydrocarbons.

When you drive your gas-powered car, you tap into Earth’s carbon reserves deposited hundreds of million years ago. These fossil fuels are released into the air as carbon dioxide and water vapor.

It may stay in the atmosphere for a while, but eventually, plants consume it during photosynthesis. So that same weight from the tank of gasoline gets converted into wood or plant material by photosynthesis.

What Is the Carbon Cycle?

Carbon is a chemical element that is an essential part of all living organisms. It is found in the bodies of plants, animals, and people. Carbon dioxide is constantly being released from burning fossil fuels, plants, and animal respiration. The amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere affects global warming.

Do you want to learn more about environmental science and topics like the carbon cycle? Then, check out some of the courses available for you to help advance your career.

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Carbon Cycle : Definition, Steps, & Diagram

Carbon Cycle

Plants need carbon dioxide to manufacture their food. Humans give off carbon dioxide from respiration. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon. With a multitude of sources pumping carbon and its compounds into the atmosphere, how does all of it get balanced? Via carbon cycle. But what is the carbon cycle? The carbon cycle demonstrates the movement of elemental and combined carbon on earth. Graphite and diamond are the common elemental carbon forms, whereas the combined state forms include carbonates, carbon dioxide, and more. Learn in detail about the cycling of carbon, carbon cycle definition, the steps involved in the process, and other details through the cycle diagram.

What is the Carbon Cycle?

Carbon is amongst the most important elements of life on earth. The human body contains 18% carbon by mass; food products contain carbon; economies, homes, and transport—are all built on carbon. Carbon is a must, but it is entwined with serious climate change issues. However, an efficient carbon cycle has been maintaining the level of the element in nature.

Carbon cycle definition: The process of interchange of carbon compounds among the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and pedosphere of the earth.

So there are carbon reservoirs in nature, and a change that shifts carbon from one reservoir adds more carbon to the other reservoirs. For instance, changes that liberate more carbon into the atmosphere cause a rise in the earth’s temperature.

What does fast and slow carbon cycling mean?

A carbon cycle has fast and slow components depending upon the amount of carbon cycling per year.

Short-term/ Slow carbon cycle: The movement of carbon between soil, rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere via a series of chemical reactions consuming up to 100-200 million years is said to be a slow carbon cycle. Approximately 1013 to 1014 grams of carbon move annually via the slow carbon cycle.

Long-term/ Fast carbon cycle: The movement of carbon amidst life forms on earth is called the fast carbon cycle. The main components of the fast carbon cycle are plants, animals, and phytoplanktons (microscopic organisms in the ocean). Approximately 1016 to 1017 grams of carbon move annually via the fast carbon cycle.

Steps of Carbon Cycle

The plants take up atmospheric carbon dioxide, absorb it into their cells, and use it to manufacture starch while utilising energy from the sun and water from the soil. The chemical reaction in which carbon is fixed is given as follows:

6CO 2 + 6H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2

The movement of carbon from plants to the atmosphere can be in the following ways:

Breakdown of sugar in plants for energy to grow.

Animals eat the plants and break down the plant sugar for energy.

Plants die and decay. Bacteria eat them.

Fires flare up and consume plants.

In the four cases mentioned above, oxygen combines with sugar releasing water, carbon dioxide, and energy. The chemical reaction for this procedure can be represented as follows:

CO 2 + H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 + energy

When sugar is consumed anaerobically, lactic acid is formed, which further breaks down into carbon dioxide and water on the availability of oxygen. The equation for the reaction is as follows:

C 6 H 12 O 6 →2C3H 6 O 3 +energy

The above processes involved in the cycling of carbon can be summarised in the following steps:

Atmospheric carbon gets absorbed by plants for photosynthesis.

Animals consume the plants, and carbon gets bioaccumulated into their bodies.

When animals and plants die and decompose, the carbon is released into the atmosphere.

The unreleased carbon eventually becomes fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels are used as fuels for several man-made activities. Hence, carbon is pumped back into the atmosphere.

Oceans and seas take up more carbon than they give out. Hence, they are also called carbon sinks. In the ocean and seas, the carbon cycle operates as follows:

Marine animals convert carbon to calcium carbonate.

This calcium carbonate becomes a part of their hard shells, such as in clams and oysters.

When these shelled organisms die, their bodies decompose, leaving the hard shell behind.

It accumulates on the seafloor, gets broken down by sea waves and is compacted under enormous pressure to form limestone.

When limestone rocks get air exposure, they get weathered, releasing carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Carbon Cycle Diagram

The following diagram shows the various components of the carbon cycle and its movement across land, water, and the atmosphere.

Processes Involved in Carbon Cycle

There are main processes involved in the carbon cycle:

Photosynthesis

Exchange

Respiration

Sedimentation

Combustion

Extraction

Importance of Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle regulates the presence of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

It plays a vital role in creating an energy balance by trapping long-wave radiations from the sun, enabling the atmosphere to act as a blanket over the planet. Thus, stabilising the climate.

Along with other biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen cycle and oxygen cycle, it plays a vital role in the existence of life on earth.

Factors Affecting Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is influenced by different factors such as:

Burning fossil fuels: Human activities like burning coal and petroleum release enormous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.

Deforestation: Plants fix carbon. However, cutting down trees puts a lot of free carbon into the atmosphere. Changing land use or urbanisation leads to increased deforestation.

Using limestone to manufacture concrete: Concrete is high in demand for building materials. As more and more limestone is utilised to make concrete, higher amounts of carbon are liberated, creating a disbalance in the carbon cycle.

Carbon sequestration: High carbon sequestration helps reduce the rising amounts of carbon in the atmosphere.

Volcanic eruptions: Volcanoes release high amounts of gases, including sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide, that upsets the natural carbon cycle.

Effects of Changing Carbon Cycles

When left unperturbed, the carbon cycle maintains a steady carbon concentration in the atmosphere, ocean, and land. However, when changes are introduced via inappropriate practices in one reservoir, the adverse effects ripple through the other reservoirs.

Temperature Change: The atmosphere holds a significant amount of carbon as it plays an important part in controlling the earth’s temperature. Methane, carbon dioxide, and halocarbons are greenhouse gases that keep the earth warm by absorbing a wide range of energy and then re-emitting it. This re-emitted energy moves out in all directions, and some of it returns to earth to heat its surface.

It is important to understand that a lack of greenhouse gases would lead to frozen earth at -18 degrees Celsius. At the same time, too many greenhouse gases would make the earth hot like Venus, with a temperature of around 400 degrees Celsius.

Currently, an increasing amount of carbon gases in the atmosphere has led to global warming. Higher the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, more radiation will be returned to the earth. Consequently, the earth’s temperature would rise too. If practices are not checked soon, the temperature will rise and lead to many serious scenarios such as melting ice in polar regions, milder winters, a decrease in moisture in the soil, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is carbon sequestration?

The removal of carbon dioxide from the air and the process of storing it is called carbon sequestration. Farms, grasslands, and forests serve as sinks of carbon dioxide. Human activities, both positive and negative, affect the amount of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere via trees and plants.

Q2. What are the main sources of carbon in the non-living world?

The four main sources of carbon in the non-lining world are as follows:

Carbon dioxide in the air and that dissolved in water

Rocks in the earth’s crust contain carbonates such as dolomites and limestones.

Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum

Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Q3. How is the carbon cycle significant to humans?

Humans are dependent on carbon for various purposes, and the carbon cycle regulates the carbon available to them. The carbon cycle balances the earth’s temperature, makes up the food that sustains life, and provides energy that fuels the global economy.

Q4. What efforts can help fix the carbon cycle?

The most promising way to maintain the carbon cycle is by avoiding fossil fuel consumption. Instead of burning fossil fuels, we can opt for more solar energy or wind power for electricity. Trees also participate in the cycling of carbon by using carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Therefore, we can maintain the cycle by cutting down fewer forests or, better still, by afforestation.

Conclusion

The earth and its atmosphere have plenty of carbon which is balanced via carbon cycles. The availability of carbon in the atmosphere is a crucial factor in maintaining living organisms and life forms on the earth. Nearly every compound involved in the metabolic activities of living beings contains carbon. In nature, the recycling of carbon is essentially an automated feedback mechanism. However, human activities interfere with the mechanism. Therefore, it is vital to check practices that can hinder the optimal working of the carbon cycle.