The diagram of Earth's carbon cycle shows how carbon moves through different parts of the Earth system:
1. Photosynthesis: Plants in the biosphere (plants) use carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis to produce organic compounds.
2. Ocean uptake: The hydrosphere (water) absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a process known as ocean uptake. This helps regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
3. Respiration: Animals, plants, and other organisms release carbon dioxide through respiration, returning it to the atmosphere.
4. Decaying organisms: When plants and animals die, their organic matter decomposes, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or soil in the lithosphere (ground).
5. Fossil fuels: Over millions of years, carbon from decaying organisms can be transformed into fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. When burned in factories and vehicles, these fossil fuels release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Overall, the diagram illustrates how carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere through various processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decay, and human activities like burning fossil fuels. This interconnected cycle helps maintain a balance of carbon in Earth's systems.
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The Earth's carbon cycle shows how carbon moves between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere:
1. Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce organic compounds.
2. The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, regulating levels in the air.
3. Animals and plants release carbon dioxide through respiration.
4. Decomposing organisms release carbon back into the atmosphere or soil.
5. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide when burned.
This interconnected cycle helps maintain a balance of carbon in Earth's systems.