Image taken from AccuWeather. This image shows how carbon cycle works.
Carbon cycle is the cycle by which carbon is
exchanged within the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere,
and atmosphere of the Earth. Along with the nitrogen cycle and
the water cycle, the carbon cycle makes a sequence of events that are
key to making the Earth capable of sustaining life today.
Main Components
The global cycle is usually divided into the
following.
- The atmosphere
- The terrestrial biosphere
- The oceans which dissolve inorganic carbon and the living and non-living
marine biota. - The sediments which include fossil fuels, fresh water systems and non-living
organic material like soil carbon
Respiration
Plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi release carbon dioxide through the process of respiration.
Decomposition
Biological bodies of bacteria and fungi will decompose and release carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere.
Combustion
When combustion occurs like the burning of fossil fuels, it will release large amounts of carbon dioxide.
Sea Animals
When the shells of sea organisms broke, the carbon is released back
into the ocean. Decomposition of their biological bodies after death will also release carbon back into the ocean.
Human Influence
Human Influence has changed the carbon cycle by changing the component functions and directly adding carbon to the atmosphere.