The Carbon Cycle and Keelings curve

what form does carbon move in mostly

CO₂

what are the two main processes it moves

photosynthesis and respiration

photosynthesis > respiration

the ecosystem is a carbon sink

photosynthesis < respiration

the ecosystem is a carbon source

carbon cycle diagram

what are the 4 resovoirs where carbon storages are found

• biosphere

• hydrosphere

• atmosphere

• sediment

how does carbon move through these four pools

a variety of biological, geochemical or industrial processes called fluxes

what is a pool (carbon)

a reservoir of carbon, it can be organic or inorganic

what forms large carbon sinks

biomass, peat, coal, oil and natrual gas

how is carbon dioxide and water released

when these carbon sinks are burn as a fuel

how do they burn as a fuel

complete combustion

combustion general formula

Fuel + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

what is formed over a long period of time

oil and gas

what is the original source of oil and gas

dead marine organisms containing calcium carbonate

what happens when they are buried under the sediment

sediment layer heat and compression acts on transforming them into oil and gas

how are they stored away

pockets of rocks or sand

how is peat formed

when plant matter does not fully decompose due to waterlogged, acidic conditions

why is the concentration of carbon in the atmosphere always changing

seasonal fluctiations

Keelings Curve

• shows changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels measured at the Mauna Loa Observatory (ppmv = parts per million by volume)

• yearly fluctuations shown in red are due to seasonal changes in photosynthesis rates, while the overall trend shown in blue is due to human combustion of fossil fuels