Carbon cycle

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Carbon cycle

involves movement of carbon between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms.

photosynthesis

plants, algae and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and CO2 to produce glucose and oxygen

Cellular respiration

organisms release energy from organic compounds such as glucose.

Decomposition 

carbon from organic matter is returned to the soil as nutrients, which can be utilized as plants during photosynthesis.

Carbon sink

refers to any reservoir that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases.

Oceanic uptake

Dissolved carbon dioxide enters the oceans. When dissolved CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid at alters pH of seawater

Sedimentation

Involves the deposition of organic and inorganic particles on the ocean floor

Burial 

Sequesters carbon from the atmosphere contributing to the long term regulation of atmospheric CO2 levels.

Lithification

when these rocks weather or erode, carbon is released back into the cycling process.

Fossil fuels

formed by the remains of ancient plants and animals

Combustion

When fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy, carbon that was stored in them is released into the atmosphere as CO2

Volcanic eruption

releases large amount of CO2 into the atmosphere, although they are relatively infrequent events.