HS-ESS2-6 Carbon Cycle

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms. It involves processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

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What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?

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Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and convert it into glucose and oxygen, thus reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

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What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

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What is combustion?

Back

Combustion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, producing heat and light. It is commonly referred to as burning.

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How does carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere?

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Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere through natural processes like respiration, volcanic eruptions, and human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

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What is the significance of dissolved CO2 in oceans?

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Dissolved CO2 in oceans is crucial for marine life as it is used by aquatic plants for photosynthesis and helps regulate the Earth's climate.

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What happens to carbon during decomposition?

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During decomposition, organic matter is broken down by microorganisms, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2 and into the soil as organic carbon.

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What is the impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

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Deforestation increases atmospheric CO2 levels because fewer trees are available to absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, leading to higher greenhouse gas concentrations.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like CO2, which are released through human activities and natural processes.

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How do oceans act as carbon sinks?

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Oceans absorb a significant amount of CO2 from the atmosphere, acting as carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the air.