CARBON CYCLE                                                                                                                                    

THE CARBON CYCLE The carbon cycle is just one of several recycling processes, but it may be the most important process since carbon is the basic building block of life.

Carbon cycle The carbon cycle is the process in which carbon atoms are recycled over and over again on Earth. Carbon recycling takes place within Earth's biosphere and between living things (biotic) and the nonliving (abiotic) environment.

Since a continual supply of carbon is essential for all living organisms, the carbon cycle is the name given to the different processes that move carbon from one to another. The complete cycle is made up of "sources" that put carbon back into the environment and "sinks" that absorb and store carbon.

Ways Carbon is ADDED to our Atmosphere Sources

2 Ways Carbon is Eliminated from the Atmosphere Sinks

Main Parts of the Carbon Cycle Photosynthesis Respiration Decomposition Natural weathering of rocks Burning (combustion) of fossil fuels.

Photosynthesis

CARBON DIOXIDE + OXYGEN Respiration CARBOHYDRATE + OXYGEN Makes CARBON DIOXIDE + OXYGEN

Respiration When that plant is eaten, the cells of the animal break down the plant's tissues during digestion. This releases the stored carbon and other nutrients into the animal's system. As the animal breathes out (exhales), carbon dioxide is released into the air (atmosphere) and the cycle can begin again. This is known as respiration.

“The major exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and the lithosphere results from photosynthesis and respiration”

CARBON AND RESPIRATION CONTINUED WHEN ANIMALS RELEASE CARBON DIOXIDE TO THE ATMOSPHERE, THEY DECOMPOSE, DECAY, AND FROM POOLS OF ENERGY CALLED FOSSIL FULES (INCLUDING COAL, OIL, AND NATURAL GASES)

Decomposition MUSSELS, CLAMS AND OYSTERS MAKE SHELLS OF CALCIUM CARBONATE FROM C02 The dead organisms fall to the bottom of the ocean where they collect and become fossilized

Decomposition – Oil and Coal WHEN TREES DIE, THEY FALL INTO SWAMPY MUD, WITH A LACK OF OXYGEN. THEREFORE, NORMAL DECOMPOSITION CANNOT OCCUR

Weathering cont.

OIL AND COAL TREES BECOME FOSSILISED (COAL IS THEN FORMED) OIL FORMS FROM TINY DEAD PLANTS TRAPPED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN OR MURKY WATER

Burning of Fossil Fuels

RECAP Photosynthesis – Carbon in carbs made Respiration – plants eaten, carbs used and converted into carbon dioxide and water. Decomposition – collected in watersheds, the carbon is in shells and trees which fall to the bottom of the ocean where they compress and become fossilized.

Recap cont. Weathering of Rocks – Shells and trees become fossilized making limestone. Buring of Fossil Fuels – Humans use fossil fuels (coal and oil) creating massive amounts of carbon dioxide.

Example: Tracing Matter Grandma Johnson Describe the path of a carbon atom from Grandma Johnson’s remains, to inside the leg muscle of a coyote. *NOTE: The coyote does not dig up and consume any part of Grandma Johnson’s remains.

2. Photosynthesis 3. Food Chain Grandma Johnson Decomposers 1. Cellular Respiration Organic carbon Carbon dioxide Plants Herbivores Organic carbon 2. Photosynthesis Coyote Organic carbon 3. Food Chain

The Carbon Cycle

The Cycle Keeps Going!

What is a connection between a car driving down the road, a tree growing in a forest, and global warming? CO2 CO2 CO2 27

CARBON DIOXIDE CONTRIBUTES THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT CARBON DIOXIDE CONTRIBUTES

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT KEEPS ALL EARHT’S HEAT FROM ESCAPING TO THE OUTER ATMOPSHERE CARBON RESPONSIBLE FOR GREENHOUSE GASES AND 55% OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT CARBON DIOXIDE IS TRANSPARENT TO LIGHT BUT OPAQUE TO HEAT RAYS, THEREFORE THE ATMOSPHERE RETARDS THE RAIATION OF HEAT FROM THE EARTH BACK INTO SPACE

GREENHOUSE EFFECT