The Carbon Cycle Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the carbon cycle, highlighting the role of carbon in various processes and locations.

Carbon

An element vital to most living organisms on Earth and a key component of our atmosphere.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs like plants and plankton absorb carbon dioxide to create energy.

Carbon Dioxide

A form of carbon found in the atmosphere, absorbed by plants and bodies of water.

Methane

A form of carbon released by animals during digestion, as well as being a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

Terrestrial Biosphere

The land part of the Earth where carbon exchange occurs between plants and animals.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that eat plants and obtain carbon from them.

Carbonic Acid

A compound formed when carbon dioxide is absorbed by ocean water.

Lithosphere

The Earth's interior which includes fossil fuels and deposits like limestone.

Fossil Fuels

Natural energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas that contain stored carbon.

Clinker

A material produced from limestone in cement production that releases carbon dioxide.

Deforestation

The process of clearing forests which can lead to an increase in atmospheric carbon.

Decomposers

Organisms in the soil that break down organic matter and release carbon into the atmosphere.

Carbon Cycle

The continuous movement of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere, and lithosphere.