Carbon Cycle:
Carbon cycle is the process where carbon compounds are interchanged among the biosphere,
geosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the earth.
Carbon Cycle Steps
Following are the major steps involved in the process of the carbon cycle:
1. Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis.
2. These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets bio accumulated into their
bodies.
3. These animals and plants eventually die, and upon decomposing, carbon is released back
into the atmosphere.
4. Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere eventually become fossil
fuels.
5. These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pump more carbon back
into the atmosphere.
Carbon Cycle on Land
Carbon in the atmosphere is present in the form of carbon dioxide. Carbon enters the atmosphere
through natural processes such as respiration and industrial applications such as burning fossil
fuels. The process of photosynthesis involves the absorption of CO2 by plants to produce
carbohydrates. The equation is as follows:
CO2 + H2O + energy → (CH2O) n +O2
Carbon compounds are passed along the food chain from the producers to consumers. The
majority of the carbon exists in the body in the form of carbon dioxide through respiration. The
role of decomposers is to eat the dead organism and return the carbon from their body back into
the atmosphere. The equation for this process is:
(CH2O) n +O2 → CO2 + H2O
Oceanic Carbon Cycle
This is essentially a carbon cycle but in the sea. Ecologically, oceans take in more carbon than it
gives out. Hence, it is called a “carbon sink.” Marine animals convert carbon to calcium
carbonate and this forms the raw building materials require to create hard shells, similar to the
ones found in clams and oysters.
When organisms with calcium carbonate shells die, their body decomposes, leaving behind their
hard shells. These accumulate on the seafloor and are eventually broken down by the waves and
compacted under enormous pressure, forming limestone.
When these limestone rocks are exposed to air, they get weathered and the carbon is released
back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
Importance of Carbon Cycle
Even though carbon dioxide is found in small traces in the atmosphere, it plays a vital role in
balancing the energy and traps the long-wave radiations from the sun. Therefore, it acts like a
blanket over the planet. If the carbon cycle is disturbed it will result in serious consequences
such as climatic changes and global warming.
Carbon is an integral component of every life form on earth. From proteins and lipids to even our
DNA. Furthermore, all known life on earth is based on carbon. Hence, the carbon cycle, along
with the nitrogen cycle and oxygen cycle, plays a vital role in the existence of life on earth.