The Carbon Cycle
Where is Carbon Found? NEXT Atmosphere Plants Animals Shells Water Soil Rocks NEXT Fossil Fuels
Atmosphere BACK Carbon dioxide is found in the air. Carbon dioxide is a carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. BACK
Fossil Fuels Compressed remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago Underground Coal, oil BACK
Shells BACK Carbon forms the shells of marine organisms. Shells are made of calcium carbonate, which is calcium bonded to carbon and oxygen atoms. BACK
Rocks BACK Limestone is made of carbonate minerals. Chalk is made of shells of marine organisms. Dolomite is calcium magnesium carbonate. BACK
Soil Soil is made of mineral particles, organic matter, air space, and soil solution. Soil solution is aqueous liquid consisting of ions, organic matter, or plant roots. BACK
Water BACK Carbon is found in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the oceans. Carbonate ions can be found in the water. BACK
Plants BACK Plants produce glucose for energy. Glucose is carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Cellulose is found in the cell walls of plants. BACK
Animals BACK Animals use glucose for energy. Proteins are used as enzymes, signaling molecules, and structural components. BACK
The Carbon Cycle Combustion Respiration Respiration Consumption Deforestation Photosynthesis Diffusion Decomposition Rock Formation Shell Formation Fossil Fuels
Fossil Fuels BACK Fossil fuels take millions of years to form. Through heat, pressure, and time, the remains are buried and chemically altered. BACK
Respiration BACK Respiration occurs in both animals and plants. Organic molecules are changed into carbon dioxide. Releases energy necessary for metabolic processes BACK
Photosynthesis Plants use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose can be used for energy. BACK
Decomposition BACK Dead matter is made of complex molecules. Molecules are broken into simple forms. Molecules are reused by other organisms. BACK
Consumption When animals eat plants, carbon within the plant is transferred. Animals can also get carbon by eating other animals. BACK
Rock Formation and Weathering Rock particles and organic sediments form flat layers. Over time, pressure produces rock. Erosion, or weathering, breaks rocks into particles. BACK
Diffusion BACK Diffusion is molecular mixing. Carbon dioxide moves into water by diffusion. Carbon dioxide can move out of the water. BACK
Shell Formation Animals can use carbon in the water to build shells. After death, the shells sink. After physical and chemical change, the shells can be used in sedimentary rocks. BACK
Deforestation When trees are burned, the carbon contained in them is released as carbon dioxide. When trees are cut down or burned, photosynthesis cannot take place. BACK
Combustion BACK Fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. Power cars, generate electricity, make goods Carbon dioxide is released into the air. BACK
Questions How long does it take to form fossil fuels? What contributes to the carbon cycle? Where is glucose produces? Where is it broken down?
Questions Part 2 Click on: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/25/opinion/boelman-arctic-tundra/index.html?iref=allsearch Read through the article Why are scientists concerned about the thawing of the tundra?
Question 3 Click on http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/cycles6.htm Make a quick sketch of the “Carbon Cycle” What is beneficial about the Greenhouse effect? What is potentially dangerous?
Question 4 Click on http://www.nbcnews.com/id/18288820/#.Vuo36BIrL-Y Go through the animation What is the Carbon Trade Process? What happens when you increase CO2 cap to medium? What happens when you increase penalty to medium?