The Carbon Cycle

1. The Carbon Cycle There can’t be life without it!

2. Chemistry of Carbon • Atomic Number 6 • 6 Protons • 6 electrons • 4 valence electrons

3. Because of it’s chemistry- • Carbon can bond in chains, rings and other bizarre configurations such as Buckeyeballs.

4. Because of its chemistry, all life as we know it is based upon this element. • Carbon must constantly be recycled in ecological systems

5. The Carbon Cycle • Is really several cycles combined together • To simplify we can separate into terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) based cycles

7. Photosynthesis and Respiration • What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis? • 6 CO2 +6H2O -- C6H12O6 + 6O2 What is the chemical equation for cellular respiration? C6H12O6 + 6O2 6 CO2 +6H2O

8. Plants remove Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the process of respiration puts Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. • Living things that get buried without decomposition can become fossil fuels • Land based – coal • Ocean based – oil and natural gas

9. How are Human Activities affecting the carbon Cycle? • Since 1800 and especially since 1950 • World population has soared • World resource use has soared

10. We have intervened in the Earth’s Carbon cycle in two ways that add extra Carbon Dioxide to the atmosphere • Clearing plants and trees that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis • Adding large amounts by burning fossil fuels and wood

11. Carbon Dioxide is one of several “greenhouse” gasses. • Models suggest that increases in Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will enhance the natural greenhouse effect