THE CARBON CYCLE What Is Carbon l An
THE CARBON CYCLE
What Is Carbon? l An element l The basis of life of earth l Found in rocks, oceans, atmosphere
Carbon Cycle l The same carbon atoms are used repeatedly on earth. l They cycle between the earth and the atmosphere.
Plants Use CARBON DIOXIDE l Plants pull CARBON DIOXIDE from the atmosphere and use it to make food –— PHOTOSYNTHESIS l The carbon becomes part of the plant (stored food).
The Carbon Cycle
Animals Eat Plants l When organisms eat plants, they take in the carbon and some of it becomes part of their own bodies. l The rest of it is breathed out as carbon dioxide-RESPIRATION
The Carbon Cycle
ANIMAL and PLANT DEATH l When plants and animals die, most of their bodies are decomposed and carbon atoms are returned to the atmosphere – DECOMPOSITION OR DECAY l Some are not decomposed fully and end up in deposits underground (oil, coal, etc. ). -FOSSIL FUELS
The Carbon Cycle Or Decomposition
Fossil Fuels are Burned l When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released, returning carbon to the atmosphere- COMBUSTION
The Carbon Cycle Or Decomposition
Carbon in Oceans l Additional carbon is stored in the ocean. l Many animals pull carbon from water to use in shells, etc. l Animals die and carbon substances are deposited at the bottom of the ocean. l These carbon compound deposits form LIMESTONE. l Oceans contain earth’s largest store of carbon.
The Carbon Cycle Or Decomposition
Volcanoes l When VOLCANOES erupt, they send ash and carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.
The Carbon Cycle Or Decomposition
Cycle – Repeats Over and Over …
Human Impact l Burning fossil fuels releases massive amounts of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide into atmosphere l Increased carbon dioxide in atmosphere increases global warming l Cutting down trees and forests removes plants from the Earth. l Fewer plants means less CO 2 is removed from atmosphere, causing even greater increase of CO 2 in atmosphere.
What We Need to Do l Burn less, especially fossil fuels l Promote plant life, especially trees
- Slides: 18