Student Exploration: Carbon Cycle and Human Activities

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the Earth's carbon cycle, natural pathways, fossil fuel formation, and human uses of fuels based on the Gizmo student exploration notes.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) from the atmosphere and water ($H_2O$) from the soil, using sunlight to build glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) and oxygen ($O_2$), thereby decreasing atmospheric carbon.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which animals release carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water into the atmosphere after consuming plants, thereby increasing atmospheric carbon.

Consumption

The transfer process through which a carbon atom moves from land plants into land animals when animals eat plants.

Fossil Fuels

Energy sources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, that formed over millions of years from the transformed remains of ancient plants and animals.

Coal Formation

A process where atmospheric $CO_2$ is absorbed by land plants through photosynthesis; upon dying, the plants accumulate in swamps or wetlands to form layers of peat, which are buried under sediment over millions of years and compressed by intense heat and pressure.

Peat

Accumulated layers of dead plant matter that form in swamps or wetlands and can eventually be compressed under sediment, heat, and pressure into coal.

Petroleum Formation

A process where atmospheric $CO_2$ dissolves into the ocean and is absorbed by marine plants and algae; upon dying, these microscopic organisms sink to the ocean floor and are transformed deep underground into liquid fuel by extreme heat and pressure.

Natural Gas

A gaseous fossil fuel composed of a mixture of methane ($CH_4$), ethane ($C_2H_6$), and other gases, formed from ancient organic matter subjected to heat and geological pressure over millions of years.

Terrestrial Natural Gas Pathway

The formation sequence where carbon moves: atmosphere $\rightarrow$ land plants $\rightarrow$ decomposition (wetland) $\rightarrow$ natural gas.

Marine Natural Gas Pathway

The formation sequence where carbon moves: atmosphere $\rightarrow$ ocean $\rightarrow$ marine plants/algae $\rightarrow$ sediments $\rightarrow$ natural gas.

Primary Use of Coal

Being burned in power plants to generate electricity.

Primary Use of Petroleum

Being refined into gasoline and diesel to fuel cars, trucks, and planes.

Primary Uses of Natural Gas

Electricity generation in power plants, industrial manufacturing, and home heating/cooking.