Carbon Cycle

Carbon
Carbon exists in the nonliving environment as:

Carbon dioxide (CO2) Carbonic acid ( HCO3) Carbonate rocks (limestone and coral = CaCO3) Deposits of Fossil fuels Dead organic matter

Organic Carbon
Hydrocarbons: CH4

Carbohydrate: CH2O

Inorganic carbon
Carbon Dioxide: CO2

Calcium Carbonate: CaCO3

Mandale Limestone Quarry

Carbon reservoirs

Carbon reservoirs
The atmosphere.
The biosphere The oceans The lithosphere
(include fresh water systems and non-living organic material, such as soil carbon). ( including dissolved inorganic carbon and living and non-living marine biota). (sediments, Earth core including fossil fuels)

Carbon Cycle

Carbon is released into the atmosphere in several ways

Respiration by plants and animals. Decay of animal and plant matter.

Combustion of organic material

Production of cement.

The ocean releases CO2 into the atmosphere.

Volcanic eruptions and metamorphism

Carbon is taken from the atmosphere in several ways

Photosynthesis. The oceans when the seawater becomes cooler, more CO2 dissolve and become carbonic acid. In the upper ocean areas organisms convert reduced carbon to tissues, or carbonates.

Photosynthesis
CO2 + H2O + sunlight CH2O + O2

Respiration
CH2O + O2 CO2 + H2O + energy

Combustion or Oxidization of hydrocarbon

CH4 + 2 O2 CO2 + 2 H2O + energy

Human Impacts on the Carbon Cycle

Burning fossil fuels have serious impact on the carbon cycle.

Fossil Fuel
86% of global primary energy consumption is fossil fuels.

Fossil Fuels
Petroleum Natural Gas Coal

CO2 Concentration

Pre-Industrial value: 280 ppm (600 billion tons) Current value: 380 ppm (800 billion tons) Critical value: 560 ppm (1200 billion tons)