Unit 1.4: The Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis

Removes CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into glucose and oxygen (CO2 sink)

Cellular Respiration

Done by plants and animals to release stored energy (CO2 source)

Carbon Sink

carbon reservoir that stores more carbon than it releases

Carbon source

processes that add carbon to the atmosphere

Carbon Cycle

movement of molecules that contain carbon between sources and sinks

Direct Exchange

CO2 moves directly between atmosphere and the ocean by dissolving into and out of ocean water at the surface

Sedimentation

when marine organisms die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor where they’re broken down into sediments that contain carbon

Burial (ocean)

over long periods of time, pressure of water compresses carbon containing sediments on the ocean floor into sedimentary stone

Burial (surface)

geological process that stores carbon in underground sinks like sedimentary rock or fossil fuels

Fossil Fuels

coal, oil, and natural gas are formed from fossilized remains of organic matter

Extraction and Combustion

digging up or mining fossil fuels and burning them as energy sources