Nutrient Cycles (Biogeochemical Cycles) - Carbon Cycle

Vocabulary flashcards covering Carbon Cycle concepts from the notes.

Carbon Cycle

The exchange of carbon among the atmosphere, living organisms, soil, and carbon reservoirs (e.g., rocks and oceans).

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

A gas in the atmosphere produced by respiration and released by combustion; used by plants in photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose (CHO).

Cellular respiration

Process by which organisms metabolize glucose, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.

Carbon reservoirs

Places where carbon is stored on Earth, such as rocks and oceans.

Deforestation

Cutting down forests; reduces the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and increases atmospheric CO2.

Combustion

Burning of fossil fuels that releases CO2 and pollutants like carbon monoxide into the air.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

A pollutant produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.

Global warming

The increase in Earth's average temperature due to higher levels of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

Biogeochemical cycles

Nutrient cycles that move carbon and other elements through the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.