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Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon through the atmosphere, plants, animals, soil, oceans, and fossil fuels, crucial for ecosystem balance. Key steps include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and ocean uptake, with human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation disrupting this cycle. This disruption leads to increased CO₂ levels, contributing to global warming and climate change.

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3 views4 pages

Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon through the atmosphere, plants, animals, soil, oceans, and fossil fuels, crucial for ecosystem balance. Key steps include photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, and ocean uptake, with human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation disrupting this cycle. This disruption leads to increased CO₂ levels, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Uploaded by

ayush singh
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Carbon Cycle – Notes

✅ What is the Carbon Cycle?

The carbon cycle is the continuous movement of carbon among the


atmosphere, plants, animals, soil, oceans, and fossil fuels.

It is essential for maintaining balance in the ecosystem and supporting life


on Earth.

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🔄 Main Steps of the Carbon Cycle:

1. Photosynthesis

Plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air.

They use it to make food (glucose) in the presence of sunlight.

🌿 CO₂ + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen

2. Respiration

Plants, animals, and humans breathe out CO₂ during respiration.


Glucose + Oxygen → Energy + CO₂ + Water

3. Decomposition

When plants and animals die, decomposers (bacteria, fungi) break them
down.

This releases carbon back into the soil and air as CO₂ and methane.

4. Combustion (Burning)

Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and wood releases stored CO₂ into the
atmosphere.

Major cause of increased carbon levels.

5. Ocean Uptake

Oceans absorb a large amount of CO₂ from the air.


Marine plants also use CO₂ for photosynthesis.

6. Formation of Fossil Fuels

Over millions of years, buried plants and animals become coal, oil, and
natural gas—storing carbon underground.

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Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activity increase CO₂ in the
atmosphere.

This leads to global warming and climate change.

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📌 Key Points to Remember


Carbon cycle = balance of CO₂ in nature.

Photosynthesis removes CO₂.

Respiration, combustion, and decomposition release CO₂.

Oceans act as carbon sinks.

Human activities disturb the natural balance.

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