Carbon Cycle Summary

These flashcards cover key concepts about the carbon cycle, including its processes, significance, and the systems involved.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon among the Earth's four spheres: the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

What do healthy ecosystems like forests and oceans do in relation to carbon?

They act as carbon sinks, helping to keep the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere balanced.

What is the significance of the Law of Conservation of Matter in the carbon cycle?

It states that the total amount of carbon never changes, highlighting that Earth is a closed system.

What are the four spheres through which carbon cycles?

The four spheres are the geosphere (solid earth), atmosphere (gasses), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (all life on Earth).

What processes move carbon in and out of reservoirs?

Processes include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and geological activities.

What happens to carbon in the lithosphere over millions of years?

Decomposition, pressure, and heat turn organic matter into fossil fuels.

How is atmospheric CO₂ taken up by producers?

CO₂ is taken up by plants during photosynthesis.

How does carbon enter marine sediments?

Geological activity can turn marine sediments into rock.

What is a carbon sink?

A carbon sink is a natural reservoir that stores carbon-containing chemical compounds for an indefinite period.

What activities release CO₂ into the atmosphere?

Burning of forests and fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the atmosphere.