1. THE CARBON CYCLE-part 3

2. Carbon Cycle The same carbon atoms are used over and over on earth.
They cycle between the earth & the atmosphere.

3. Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels
Some organisms are not decomposed fully & end up in deposits underground (oil, coal, etc… known as fossil fuels).

4. Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels
Carbon is stored in rocks & underground deposits & is released very slowly into the atmosphere.

5. Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels
This process takes many years and is called a carbon sink or carbon store.

6. Fossil Fuels and CO2
When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon in them is released to the atmosphere.

7. Human Impact
Burning anything releases more carbon into the atmosphere — especially fossil fuels.
Burning Fossil Fuels releases carbon stores
Increased carbon dioxide in atmosphere increases the greenhouse effect.

8. Human Impact Scientists think this leads to Global Climate Change.
Fewer plants = less CO2 removed from the atmosphere.

9. Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
The sun’s energy bounces off the surface of the Earth.

10. Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
Greenhouse gases form a layer in the atmosphere that traps some of the energy.
Examples: Carbon Dioxide and Water (vapor).
This warms the Earth. Without this layer, it would be too cold for life as we know it.

11. Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
The more carbon dioxide that is released to the atmosphere, the warmer the earth becomes.

12. Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
This causes changes in different climates around the world.

13. Cycle – Repeats Over and Over and Over and Over …

14. Carbon Cycle Diagram Carbon in Atmosphere
Plants use carbon to make food
Animals eat plants and take in carbon
Plants and animals die
Decomposers break down dead things, releasing carbon to atmosphere &
soil
Bodies not decomposed — after many years, become part of oil or coal deposits (fossil fuels)
Fossil fuels are burned; carbon is returned to atmosphere
Carbon slowly released from these substances returns to atmosphere

15. Carbon Storage…Oceans
Carbon reacts with sea water and is stored in the ocean…this is another Carbon Sink or Carbon Store. Oceans contain earth’s largest store of carbon.
Many animals pull carbon from water to make shells, etc.
Animals die and carbon substances are deposited at the bottom of the ocean.

16. The Carbon Cycle

17. What can we do to limit climate change?
Burn less, especially fossil fuels
Promote plant life, especially trees