Carbon Cycle Diagram

To start, carbon is the fourth most abundant element in our universe. On land, the major exchange of carbon with the atmosphere results from photosynthesis and respiration. Through photosynthesis, in both land and water, plants convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. The carbon can be released into the atmosphere, eaten by animals when plants die, or can be decomposed into soil for future use by plants and useful resources. Carbon is also found in abundance in our oceans. When carbon reaches water, it precipitates, and through this process, the corals and algae builds up limestone reefs. This then creates a good environment for them and sources of carbon for further respiration. Now, humans also have an impact on our environment when fossil fuels are burned and also in deforestation, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We are effectively moving carbon more rapidly into the atmosphere than is being removed naturally causing the carbon dioxide concentration to increase which could lead to global warming.

Image from NASA Earth Observatory.