1. Carbon Cycle

2. I. What is Carbon? II. Carbon Cycle An element
The basis of life on Earth
Present in the Earth, oceans and the atmosphere
II. Carbon Cycle
The continuous process by which carbon is exchanged between organisms and the environment.

4. III. Plants Use CO2
Plants pull most of their carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and use it to make sugars. (photosynthesis)
When a tree grows, it gets its mass from the CO2 it absorbs from the air
When a log burns, it releases CO2 and H2O into the atmosphere quickly

6. V. Decomposition of Plants & Animals
When plants and animals die, most of their bodies decompose and carbon atoms return to the atmosphere
Some don’t decompose fully and end up in deposits underground as fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)

7. VI. Carbon Stored in the Ground
Carbon is stored in fossils and/or fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)
In nature, carbon found in rocks and underground deposits and decomposers release it VERY slowly back into the atmosphere.

8. VII. Carbon in Oceans Carbon is stored in the ocean as CO2
Carbon is found in the form of calcium carbonate in the shells of aquatic species.
When animals die, carbon substances are deposited at the bottom of oceans.
Oceans contain Earth’s largest reservoir of carbon!

10. VIII. Human Impact
The release of carbon from fossil fuels is very slow in nature.
Humans DRASTICALLY speed up this process by burning fossil fuels.
Heating up the oceans reduces their ability to store carbon.
Fewer plants means less CO2 removed from atmosphere.