Carbon and the Carbon Cycle

Carbon

The element found in all living things

Carbon dioxide

A form of carbon that exists in the atmosphere that is MOST abundant in our atmosphere.

Fossil fuel

Coal, oil, natural gas, and other fuels that are made from the decay of plants and animals.

Carbon cycle

The movement of carbon around all the Earth's systems.

Decomposition

The process of breaking down organic material, such as dead plant or animal tissue

Photosynthesis

Plants use the sun's energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars

Cellular respiration

metabolic process used to acquire energy in living systems; releases CO2

Atmosphere

the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet.

Biosphere

Consists of all life on Earth and all parts of the Earth in which life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Carbon is taken out of the atmosphere by...

photosynthesis

Combustion

The process of burning, releases carbon compounds (CO2). The creation of fire

Carbon is added to the atmosphere by...

Breathing, burning fossil fuels, forest fires, volcanoes

Assimilation

The absorption and incorporation of carbon compounds into the tissues of living organisms

Deposition

Deposition is the laying down of sediment carried by wind, flowing water, the sea or ice

Sedimentation

when organisms die, their carbon is added to ocean sediments, which over time produce limestone