Skill:
• Construct a diagram of the carbon cycle
The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle whereby carbon is exchanged between the different spheres of the Earth
- The four spheres are the atmosphere (air), lithosphere (ground), hydrosphere (water / oceans) and biosphere (living things)
Carbon is exchanged between a variety of forms, including:
- Atmospheric gases – mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), but also methane (CH4)
- Oceanic carbonates – including bicarbonates dissolved in the water and calcium carbonate in corals and shells
- As organic materials – including the carbohydrates, lipids and proteins found in all living things
- As non-living remains – such as detritus and fossil fuels
Different processes facilitate the cycling of carbon between the different forms (e.g. feeding, combustion, etc.)
The Carbon Cycle
