CYCLING OF CARBON ATOMS

Life on Earth depends upon one–way flow of high–quality energy from sun & cycling of crucial elements.

CYCLING OF CARBON ATOMS Carbon atoms are recycled through the living and non-living parts of an ecosystem. Producers take up carbon dioxide and build this into organic molecules (sugars and starches) Consumers eat this organic matter. 1. Draw a summarised flow chart to indicate the flow movement of carbon atoms in a terrestrial ecosystem.

CYCLING OF CARBON ATOMS Carbon is taken up from the atmosphere by plants by photosynthesis. Because carbon enters the atmosphere, it can move through the atmosphere on a global scale.

Basic Carbon cycle: The Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle

 Hydrosphere- water layer. Liquid, Ice, Vapor.  Lithosphere- Earth’s crust and upper mantle.  - Fossil fuels, minerals, soil chemicals.  Biosphere- biotic & abiotic factors.

Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere

Carbon Cycle: Reservoirs Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere 1x (= 7.3x10 17 grams carbon) 3x 55x 35,000x

Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Photosynthesis Respiration& Decay

Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Photosynthesis Respiration& Decay Burial & Lithification Weathering & Volcanism Dissolution Photosynthesis Burial & Lithification Exsolution

Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Human Impacts Burning fossil fuels: Increased combustion Deforestation: Decrease Photosynthesis Increase Respiration Net Effect: Increase in Carbon in Atmosphere

Carbon Cycle

Major components of aquatic ecosystems. Fig. 4–11

Major components of terrestrial ecosystems. Fig. 4–12

HUMAN IMPACT Carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere by human activities – burning fossil fuels (coal and oil). Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

 How and in what form does carbon enter and leave the cycle?  How do the roles of autotrophs and heterotrophs differ?  What are the human impacts on the cycle?