Carbon Cycle Components to Know for Intro to Climate Science

The carbon cycle is essential for understanding climate science. It involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and ecosystems, influencing weather patterns and supporting life while also being impacted by human activities.

1. Atmosphere

   • Contains approximately 0.04% carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas.
   • Acts as a reservoir for carbon, influencing climate and weather patterns.
   • Carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere and other carbon reservoirs through processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

2. Biosphere

   • Comprises all living organisms, which play a crucial role in the carbon cycle.
   • Plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, storing carbon in biomass.
   • Decomposition of organic matter releases carbon back into the atmosphere and soil.

3. Hydrosphere

   • Includes all water bodies, where carbon is dissolved and stored.
   • Oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing large amounts of atmospheric CO2.
   • Carbon cycling in the hydrosphere is influenced by temperature and biological activity.

4. Lithosphere

   • The Earth's crust, where carbon is stored in rocks and fossil fuels.
   • Weathering of rocks releases carbon into the soil and atmosphere.
   • Geological processes can sequester carbon over long timescales.

5. Terrestrial ecosystems

   • Forests, grasslands, and wetlands are significant carbon sinks.
   • Carbon is stored in plant biomass and soil organic matter.
   • Ecosystem health and biodiversity impact carbon storage capacity.

6. Marine ecosystems

   • Oceans support diverse life forms that contribute to carbon cycling.
   • Phytoplankton perform photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen.
   • Marine sediments can store carbon for thousands of years.

7. Fossil fuels

   • Composed of ancient organic matter, primarily carbon.
   • Combustion of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.
   • Major contributor to anthropogenic climate change.

8. Soil carbon

   • Soil acts as a major carbon reservoir, storing carbon in organic and inorganic forms.
   • Soil management practices can enhance carbon sequestration.
   • Healthy soils contribute to ecosystem productivity and resilience.

9. Ocean carbon sink

   • Oceans absorb about 30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
   • Carbon is stored in dissolved forms and through biological processes.
   • Ocean acidification affects marine life and carbon cycling.

10. Photosynthesis

    • Process by which plants convert CO2 and sunlight into glucose and oxygen.
    • Major pathway for carbon uptake from the atmosphere.
    • Supports food webs and contributes to biomass accumulation.

11. Respiration

    • Process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing CO2.
    • Occurs in all living organisms, returning carbon to the atmosphere.
    • Balances carbon uptake through photosynthesis.

12. Decomposition

    • Breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, releasing CO2 and nutrients.
    • Essential for nutrient cycling and soil health.
    • Influences carbon storage in soils and ecosystems.

13. Weathering

    • Physical and chemical processes that break down rocks, releasing carbon.
    • Contributes to long-term carbon sequestration in sediments.
    • Influences soil formation and nutrient availability.

14. Volcanic emissions

    • Natural source of CO2, releasing carbon stored in the Earth's crust.
    • Contributes to atmospheric carbon levels, though less than human activities.
    • Plays a role in long-term geological carbon cycling.

15. Human activities (deforestation, fossil fuel combustion)

    • Deforestation reduces carbon storage capacity of forests, increasing atmospheric CO2.
    • Fossil fuel combustion is the largest source of anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
    • Both activities significantly impact climate change and the carbon cycle.