1.4 - Carbon Cycle: Vocabulary

Flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the carbon cycle as presented in the notes/Quizlet sections.

Combustion

Process of burning fossil fuels that releases energy and CO2 into the atmosphere; a rapid carbon release.

Photosynthesis

Plants use sunlight to convert CO2 and water into sugars and oxygen; removes CO2 from the atmosphere.

Direct exchange

Movement of carbon dioxide between the ocean and the atmosphere at a relatively stable rate.

Carbon sinks

Relatively long-term stores that absorb more CO2 than they release (e.g., plants, ocean, soils, sediments).

Cellular respiration

Process of breaking down glucose to release energy, producing CO2 and water.

Carbon reservoirs

Relatively stable, short-term stores of carbon on Earth (e.g., fossil fuels, soils, biomass, atmosphere).

Sedimentation

Process of soil particles and organic matter building up in layers, forming sediments.

Compaction

Overlying pressure compresses sediments into sedimentary rock (e.g., limestone, fossil fuels).

Carbon sequestration (storage)

The act of removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in sinks (plants, soils, oceans).

Extraction

Removal of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) from the ground via mining or drilling.

Decomposition

Breakdown of organic matter by soil microbes, releasing CO2 (and CH4) back to the atmosphere.

Burial

Process of carbon being buried in sediments, contributing to long-term storage.