Carbon CycleCarbon CycleBy: Hortencia Avila, Uriel Lopez, Jeremy Glick

Carbon CycleCarbon Cycle

Fourth most abundant element in universe

Building block of all living thingsMain Pathway– in and out of living matter

Key TermsKey Terms

Carbon Cycle- Circulation of carbon through ecosystems

Carbon- A non-metallic element found in coal, petroleum and natural gas. Major component of life.

Soil Respiration- Carbohydrates are oxidized and returned to the air by soil microorganisms that decompose dead animals

Key Terms Continued

Atmosphere- layer of gassesFossil Fuels- Carbon-rich fuel from ancient

animals and plantsPhotosynthesis- Energy (sun)+ Water+

Carbon dioxide Carbohydrates+ OxygenCellular Respiration- Glucose+ Oxygen

CO2+ H20+ Energy (ATP)Decomposition- breakdown of matter by

bacteria and fungi

Biological Importance of CarbonBiological Importance of Carbon

All living organisms contain carbonCO2 is found in all living organismsPlants use carbon dioxide and water to

form simple sugars (photosynthesis)

Ecological Importance of CarbonEcological Importance of Carbon

Carbon is needed for lifeCarbon dioxide is a greenhouse gasCarbon is necessary for life, but carbon

dioxide can be harmful

Amount of CarbonAmount of Carbon

0.032% in the lithosphere2 petagrams

Carbon in the atmosphereCarbon in the atmosphere

Smallest amount of carbonApproximately 750 petagrams

BiosphereBiosphere

540- 610 gigatons

hydrosphere

38,00-40,00 metric tons

http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/earth_system/biogeochemical_cycles.html

SourcesSources

http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/earth_system/biogeochemical_cycles.html

http://www.actewagl.com/education/Glossary/default.aspx?letterSearch=C

http://www.eoearth.org/article/Carbon_cycle http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0857177.html http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ctec/Carbon/carboncycle.htm http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/Bi-Ca/Carbon-Dioxide-in-the-

Ocean-and-Atmosphere.html