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AnswerThe four basic steps of the carbon cycle are the earth (lithosphere), the air (atmosphere), the oceans (hydrosphere), and all living organisms (biosphere).

The simplest part of the carbon cycle runs the same course as the rock cycle. Carbon is expelled into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions. This carbon is mostly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Carbon dioxide is absorbed by some kinds of rocks as they weather. Weathered rock fragments eventually wash into the sea and settle to the sea floor. These sediments can eventually be compacted and cemented into new rock on the ocean floor. Tectonic movements sometimes lead ocean floors to be pushed deeply under continental plates. When they get pushed deep enough under the earth's surface, heat and pressure eventually cause the rocks to metamorphose and even melt. The cycle completes with another volcanic eruption.

This is the simple form of the carbon cycle mainly because it does not take account of life. But you can see carbon being exchanged between the earth (lithosphere), the air (atmosphere) and the sea (hydrosphere). This part of the carbon cycle existed before the evolution of life (biosphere).

Before adding the complication of "life", we should note that there is also a direct exchange of carbon dioxide between the air and the oceans that actually goes in two directions. Depending on the temperatures the oceans can either absorb and dissolve CO2 or they can release CO2 into the atmosphere. Think about soda pop or other carbonated drinks.

The biosphere (life) adds many more complications to the cycle. Plants (from algae to trees) absorb CO2 from the air (atmosphere) in photosynthesis. Many forms of marine life absorb CO2 from the oceans (hydrosphere) to make their shells. All plants and animals release CO2 into their surrounding environment during respiration. Plants and animals also release their carbon when they die and decay. On land the carbon is released into the air and the soil. On land, burning (combustion) of plant material will also release carbon into the air and the soil. In the sea the carbonate much of the shells of dead animals settle onto the ocean floor and become part of the carbon/rock cycle.

Under certain conditions the sediments formed from dead organisms (mostly plants) can form special metamorphosed materials that we use as fossil fuels. This adds another of life's complications: humans.

Humans are affecting the carbon cycle in many ways. Obviously the burning (combustion) of fossil fuels releases carbon (as CO2) into the atmosphere. CO2 is also released into the atmosphere when limestone is burned to create lime or cement. Humans also affect the carbon cycle through the clearing (deforestation) of land. When trees or burnt or allowed to rot they release CO2 into the atmosphere. Certain types of farming can release even more CO2 into the atmosphere. Rice paddies form artificial swamps that generate methane (CH4), and methane is also produced by concentrated numbers of livestock and poultry.

For more information on this subject, try wikipedia or university sites for a more detailed answer.

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9y ago
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13y ago

The carbon cycle refers to the processes by which carbon atoms are reused over and over again in the environment.

Carbon exists in the nonliving environment as:

-carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and dissolved in water

-carbonate rocks like limestone

-deposits of fossil fuels from once living organisms

-dead organic matter

How does carbon enter the living environment?

Through autotrophs!

You have the photoautotrophs (plants, algae) that convert light energy to convert carbon dioxide into sugar. Photosynthesis.

You also have the chemoautotrophs such as bacteria and archaea use inorganic energy sources to do the same thing.

Animals consume the organic compounds produced by autotrophs.

How does carbon return to the atmosphere and water?

-respiration (as carbon dioxide)

-burning such as the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)

-decay: fungi and bacteria decompose dead organisms and wastes and recycle nutrients.

What about global warming?

The theory is that the increase in CO2 levels leads to an increase in global temperature b/c greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, etc.) trap heat energy inside the atmosphere. This is bad because it can cause flooding by melting the ice caps, and could also turn farmland into desert. Desertification is also a major problem in the world today. The greenhouse effect is just one cause of global warming, but it is very important cause. That is why people are continuously searching for cleaner energy sources and looking for ways to use energy more efficiently.

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11y ago

Carbon,used by all living organism, continuously circulates in the earth's ecosystem.In the atmosphere, it exist as a colour less odour less carbon dioxide gas,which is used by plant in the process of photosynthesis. Animals acquire the carbon stored in plant tissue when they eat and exhale carbon dioxide as a by product of metabolism.the carbon cycle continues after the death of the plant and animal,when bacteria contribute to the decay process and release carbon dioxide.Even though some carbon are lost from circulation tempoparily as coal, petroleum, fossil fuels,gas.and lime stone deposit,respiration and photosynthesis balance to keep the amount of atm carbon stable.so carbon cycles moves from (1)respiration 2)photosynthesis 3)conversion/combustion 4)decay

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11y ago

One, two, five, six, eight are the most common answers.

1.)Atmosphere

2.)Fossil Fuels

3.)Rocks

4.)Shells

5.)Soil

6.)Surface Ocean

7.)Plants and Trees

8.)Ocean Life

9.)Animals

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8y ago
  1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the atmosphere from respiration (animals and plants breathing), and combustion (burning).
  2. Producers (plants) absorb CO2 from the air to make carbohydrates to grow. They emit oxygen.
  3. Animals of all kinds feed on the plants. This passes the carbon on. Most carbon is breathed out as CO2 (respiration), but some is used to help the animals grow (photosynthesis). Eventually the plants and animals die.
  4. The dead animals and plants are eaten in the ground by decomposers. CO2 is then released again into the atmosphere. (If something prevents the decomposition, then the dead plants and animals may turn into fossil fuels some millions of years into the future.)
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14y ago

photosynthesis, decomposition, and respiration

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14y ago

Fossilization, Decay, Respiration, Photosynthesis, Burning, Feeding

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15y ago

potato, broccoli, and salad with carrots

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Kevin Bliss

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3y ago

wy

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Q: What are the stages in the carbon cycle?
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