THE CARBON CYCLEThere can’t be life without it!

Chemistry of Carbon

Atomic Number 6 6 Protons 6 electrons

4 valence electrons

Because of it’s chemistry-

Carbon can bond in chains, rings and other bizarre configurations such as Buckeyeballs.

Because of its chemistry, all life as we know it is based upon this element.

Carbon must constantly be recycled in ecological systems

The Carbon Cycle

Is really several cycles combined together

To simplify we can separate into terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) based cycles

Photosynthesis and Respiration

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

6 CO2 +6H2O -- C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is the chemical equation for cellular respiration?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 6 CO2 +6H2O

Plants remove Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the process of respiration puts Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere.

Living things that get buried without decomposition can become fossil fuels

Land based – coal Ocean based – oil

and natural gas

How are Human Activities affecting the carbon Cycle?

Since 1800 and especially since 1950

World population has soared

World resource use has soared

We have intervened in the Earth’s Carbon cycle in two ways that add extra Carbon Dioxide to the atmosphere

Clearing plants and trees that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis

Adding large amounts by burning fossil fuels and wood

Carbon Dioxide is one of several “greenhouse” gasses.

Models suggest that increases in Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will enhance the natural greenhouse effect