Kosfeld Fenna Thesis - Flipbook - Page 38
The cycle is divided major steps
1. Photosynthesis and Respiration
Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the
atmosphere and convert it into organic matter (glucose) using sunlight. This
process not only forms the basis of the food web but also removes CO2 from
the atmosphere.
2. All living organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, break down
organic matter to release energy, returning CO2 to the atmosphere.
3. Terrestrial Sequestration
Forests and soil store large amounts of carbon. Trees and plants incorporate
carbon into their biomass, and dead plant material becomes part of the soil
organic matter.
4. Oceanic Sequestration
Oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Phytoplankton in the surface waters perform photosynthesis, and carbon is transferred to deeper waters as
these organisms die and sink, forming sedimentary deposits over time
5. Formation of Fossil Fuels: Over millions of years, carbon from dead
organisms is buried and converted into fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
through geological processes.
6. Volcanic Activity
Volcanic eruptions release stored carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2.
8. Deforestation
Clearing forests reduces the planet’s capacity to sequester carbon, increasing
atmospheric CO2 levels.
7.Human Influence
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy release large
amounts of CO2, disrupting the natural carbon cycle and contributing to
climate change.
Chat Gpt brief explanation!!!
38
