Carbon Cycle Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the processes of the carbon cycle, including definitions of carbon sinks and sources, as well as the major transformation processes such as combustion, decomposition, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.

What are carbon sinks?

Processes or reservoirs that absorb carbon from the atmosphere, such as photosynthesis, oceans, soils, and fossil fuels.

What are carbon sources?

Processes that release carbon into the atmosphere, including natural sources like volcanoes and fires, as well as human activities like combustion and deforestation.

What is combustion in the context of the carbon cycle?

The process of burning fossil fuels which releases carbon stored in these fuels as carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere.

What happens during decomposition?

Dead organisms decay and break down into detritus, releasing most of the carbon back into the atmosphere as CO₂ and contributing some carbon to the soil as organic matter.

What is cellular respiration?

The process in which animals break down food (organic carbon) for energy, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a waste product.

What occurs during photosynthesis?

Plants, algae, and phytoplankton convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air into organic carbon (sugars) to build cells and tissues.