Carbon cycle
Carbon cycle
The Carbon cycle (pronunciation: /ˈkɑːrbən ˈsaɪkəl/) is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. It is one of the key cycles of the global ecosystem and is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
Etymology
The term "Carbon cycle" is derived from the Latin word carbo, meaning "coal", and the Greek word kyklos, meaning "circle" or "cycle". It refers to the continuous movement of carbon through different environmental subsystems.
Process
The carbon cycle involves several key processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration. In photosynthesis, plants and other photosynthetic organisms absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds. Through respiration, these organisms release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Decomposition of organic matter by decomposer organisms also releases carbon dioxide. Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in the geosphere, such as in fossil fuels and sedimentary rock layers.
Related Terms
- Carbon dioxide: A colorless and odorless gas that is vital to life on Earth. It is a key component of the carbon cycle.
- Carbon sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one of the ways humans are attempting to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Greenhouse effect: The process by which radiation from a planet's atmosphere warms the planet's surface to a temperature above what it would be without this atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of the key greenhouse gases.
- Global warming: A long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. It is largely a result of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carbon cycle
- Wikipedia's article - Carbon cycle
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