APES 1.4 - Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis

Plants, algae and some bacteria use sunlight to convert carbon and water into glucose and oxygen

Where does carbon move during photosynthesis? (From _ to _ )

Atmosphere to biosphere (plants)

Cellular Respiration

Organisms break down glucose and oxygen to release ATP energy to release carbon dioxide and water

Where does carbon move during respiration?

Biosphere (animal/organism) to Atmosphere

Decomposition

Bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and nutrients into the soil

Where does carbon move during decomposition?

Biosphere/soil to atmosphere

Ocean exchange

CO₂ in the atmosphere and CO₂ dissolved in the ocean constantly exchange

Where does carbon move during ocean exchange?

Ocean to atmosphere, atmosphere to ocean

Sedimentation

Dead marine organisms sink and get buried on the seafloor; over millions of years their carbon becomes sedimentary rock or fossil fuels

Where does carbon move during sedimentation?

Ocean to sea floor to fossil fuels

Extraction

Humans dig or drill carbon-rich fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) out of the ground to use for energy

Where does carbon move during extraction?

Fossil fuels to surface (for humans to use)

Combustion

Humans burn the extracted fossil fuels for energy (cars, electricity, factories). Burning combines the fuel's carbon with oxygen, releasing it as CO₂ gas into the atmosphere

Where does carbon move during combustion?

Fossil fuels to atmosphere

Reservoir

Anywhere matter is stored for a period of time

Source

A process that releases more matter than it absorbs

Sink

Any process that absorbs more matter than it releases