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THE CARBON CYCLE

Learn about the carbon cycle, where carbon atoms continuously cycle between the Earth and the atmosphere. Discover how plants use carbon dioxide, how animals play a role, and the impact of human activities. Find out what we can do to reduce carbon emissions and promote a healthier planet.

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THE CARBON CYCLE

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  1. THE CARBON CYCLE

  2. What Is Carbon? • An element • The basis of life of earth • Found in rocks, oceans, atmosphere

  3. Carbon Cycle • The same carbon atoms are used repeatedly on earth. They cycle between the earth and the atmosphere.

  4. Plants Use Carbon Dioxide • Plants pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to make food –— photosynthesis. • The carbon becomes part of the plant (stored food).

  5. Animals Eat Plants • When organisms eat plants, they take in the carbon and some of it becomes part of their own bodies.

  6. Plants and Animal Die • When plants and animals die, most of their bodies are decomposed and carbon atoms are returned to the atmosphere. • Some are not decomposed fully and end up in deposits underground (oil, coal, etc.).

  7. Carbon Slowly Returns to Atmosphere • Carbon in rocks and underground deposits is released very slowly into the atmosphere. • This process takes many years.

  8. Cycle – Repeats Over and Over and Over and Over …

  9. Carbon in Atmosphere Plants use carbon to make food Decomposers break down dead things, releasing carbon to atmosphere and soil Plants and animals die Fossil fuels are burned; carbon is returned to atmosphere Animals eat plants and take in carbon Bodies not decomposed — after many years, become part of oil or coal deposits Carbon slowly released from these substances returns to atmosphere Carbon Cycle Diagram

  10. Carbon in Oceans • Additional carbon is stored in the ocean. • Many animals pull carbon from water to use in shells, etc. • Animals die and carbon substances are deposited at the bottom of the ocean. • Oceans contain earth’s largest store of carbon.

  11. The Carbon Cycle

  12. Human Impact • Fossil fuels release carbon stores very slowly • Burning anything releases more carbon into atmosphere — especially fossil fuels • Increased carbon dioxide in atmosphere increases global warming • Fewer plants mean less CO2 removed from atmosphere

  13. What We Need to Do • Burn less, especially fossil fuels • Promote plant life, especially trees

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