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THE CARBON CYCLE-part 3
Carbon Cycle
The same carbon atoms are used
over and over on earth.
 They cycle between the earth & the
atmosphere.

Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels

Some organisms are not decomposed
fully & end up in deposits underground
(oil, coal, etc… known as fossil fuels).
Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels
Carbon is stored in rocks & underground
deposits & is released very slowly into
the atmosphere.
Carbon Storage…Fossil Fuels

This process takes many years and is
called a carbon sink or carbon store.
Fossil Fuels and CO2

When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon
in them is released to the atmosphere.
Human Impact
Burning anything releases more carbon into
the atmosphere — especially fossil fuels.
 Burning Fossil Fuels releases carbon stores


Increased carbon dioxide in atmosphere
increases the greenhouse effect.
Human Impact
Scientists think this leads to Global
Climate Change.
 Fewer plants = less CO2 removed from
the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect and Climate
Change

The sun’s energy bounces off the surface of
the Earth.
Greenhouse Effect and Climate
Change

Greenhouse gases form a layer in the
atmosphere that traps some of the energy.


Examples: Carbon Dioxide and Water (vapor).
This warms the Earth. Without this layer, it would
be too cold for life as we know it.
Greenhouse Effect and Climate
Change

The more carbon dioxide that is released to
the atmosphere, the warmer the earth
becomes.
Greenhouse Effect and Climate
Change

This causes changes in different
climates around the world.
Cycle – Repeats Over and
Over and Over and Over …
Carbon Cycle Diagram
Carbon in Atmosphere
Decomposers
break down dead
things, releasing
carbon to
atmosphere &
soil
Fossil fuels are
burned; carbon
is returned to
atmosphere
Carbon slowly
released from
these substances
returns to
atmosphere
Plants use
carbon to
make food
Plants and
animals die
Bodies not
decomposed — after
many years, become
part of oil or coal
deposits (fossil
fuels)
Animals eat
plants and
take in
carbon
Carbon Storage…Oceans



Carbon reacts with sea water and is stored in the
ocean…this is another Carbon Sink or Carbon
Store. Oceans contain earth’s largest store of
carbon.
Many animals pull carbon from water to make shells,
etc.
Animals die and carbon substances are deposited at
the bottom of the ocean.
The Carbon Cycle
What can we do to limit climate
change?
Burn less, especially fossil fuels
 Promote plant life, especially trees
