Alana Piselli - Mini Project #2

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is a naturally occurring element found on the Earth’s surface. The biogeochemical process, known as the Carbon Cycle, explains how carbon is recycled in our atmosphere. The key components of the carbon cycle include respiration and photosynthesis. When carbon is combined with hydrogen carbohydrates are made, which are in turn combined with oxygen during respiration to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy. The release of respiration may be interpreted as the input of photosynthesis, and the outputs of photosynthesis may interpret the inputs of respiration, making the process and interactive and dependent one. (Barker 2003)

Carbon is circulated in many ways through our atmosphere. Carbon is found largely on the earth’s surface in the form of sedimentary rocks. When the carbon reaches the oceans it forms calcium carbonate. This process allows appropriate living conditions for our ocean’s reefs where carbon is converted into tissue matter. Plants found on land and in water use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. The carbon is then released into the atmosphere by respiration, decaying plants and animals, and even fossil fuel emissions.

Carbon is circulated in the biosphere by ways of autotrophs and heterotrophs. Carbon is circulated throughout the biosphere through respiration. The majority of carbon escapes the biosphere by respiration. The largest reservoir in the carbon cycle occurs in the ocean when bicarbonate combines with calcium to produce limestone. Carbon is essential in maintaining pH levels in the oceans. Carbon is constantly changing and exchanging between the ocean and the atmosphere by means of upswelling and downswelling.

The process is a relatively fast one because carbon is concentrated at small levels. Carbon dioxide is more resourceful in the winter due to the vegetation. Carbon dioxide emissions are currently growing at a .5 rate per year, and are expected to continue to grow. This can change our climate and contribute greatly to global warming.

Research on the carbon cycle has concluded there is “missing carbon”. Further research on this issue conducted by the concludes some issues as to where the carbon dioxide has gone including the increased amounts of phytoplankton as well as increased growth of forests.

References:

Carbon Cycle. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle.

The Carbon Cycle (2006). Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/CarbonCycle.html#Where_is_the_missing_carbon
Barker, B. W. (2003). Environmental Studies: Concepts, connections, and controversies. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt.