Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the natural process by which carbon moves between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land and organisms. Carbon is a key element required for life on Earth, and the carbon cycle helps regulate the amount of carbon present in different reservoirs.
The carbon cycle begins with atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) that is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis. Through this process, plants convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds such as sugars and starches, which they use for energy and growth.When animals eat plants, they also take in carbon from organic matter, and carbon is transferred from plants to animals. . When plants and animals die, their bodies and waste products are broken down and carbon is returned to the soil. Some of this carbon is stored in the soil as organic matter and the rest is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide through a process called respiration.

The carbon cycle also involves the exchange of carbon between the ocean and atmosphere. When carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, bicarbonate ions are formed, which are used by marine organisms to build shells and other structures. Over time, these structures can become buried in sediment, keeping carbon out of the atmosphere for thousands of years. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly disrupted the natural balance of the carbon cycle by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming and climate change, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing the carbon cycle.