explain what is the carbon cycle and why its called a cycle

*explain four "moves" that occur in this cycle
* explain the importance of this cycle to organisms
*explain the human impact and effects on this cycle when fossil fuels are burnt

http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/cycles6.htm

can i put Plants take carbon dioxide and water, make a carbohydrate glucose which is the basis of all other life: they use it and we steal it from them. After glucose undergoes bio oxydation all that's left of it is carbon dioxide and water, again. Going through anaerobic and aerobic series of enzyme catalysed reactions of creating ATP or adenosine triphosphate which is the immediate source of all energy for any organism we begin with CO2 and H2O and end there, they call it a cycle.

The carbon cycle refers to the continuous movement and exchange of carbon atoms between living organisms, the atmosphere, bodies of water, and the Earth's crust. It is called a cycle because it involves a series of interconnected processes that form a closed loop. These processes contribute to balancing the levels of carbon in different parts of the Earth system.

There are four main moves or processes that occur in the carbon cycle:

1. Photosynthesis: Green plants, algae, and some bacteria use a process called photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into organic compounds, such as sugars and starches. This process occurs in the presence of sunlight, and it releases oxygen gas (O2) as a byproduct.

2. Respiration: All living organisms, including plants and animals, engage in respiration. During this process, organic compounds containing carbon are broken down to release stored energy. In the process, carbon dioxide is generated and released back into the atmosphere.

3. Decomposition: When plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes over time. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the complex organic compounds and release carbon dioxide during the decay process. This carbon can either return to the atmosphere or be stored in the soil.

4. Combustion: Combustion refers to the burning of organic matter, primarily fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned for energy, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to an imbalance in the carbon cycle.

The carbon cycle is vital for supporting life on Earth and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. Living organisms, including plants, require carbon to build their tissues and perform essential biological processes. The cycle ensures that carbon is recycled and available to all living organisms.

Additionally, the carbon cycle influences the greenhouse effect and climate change. When carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through natural processes and human activities, it acts as a greenhouse gas. It traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in the planet's average temperature, known as global warming.

Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly altered the carbon cycle. By releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, humans have accelerated the natural carbon cycle processes. This excess carbon dioxide traps more heat, contributing to climate change, which has a range of environmental and societal impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, changes in ecosystems, and threats to human health and livelihoods.

In summary, the carbon cycle is an essential process that maintains a balance of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere, bodies of water, and living organisms. Human activities, specifically the burning of fossil fuels, have disrupted this cycle, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels and contributing to climate change.