CARBON CYCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The carbon cycle refers to the continuous movement and exchange of carbon compounds within the Earth's ecosystems. It involves the transfer of carbon atoms between various reservoirs, such as the atmosphere, oceans, plants, animals, and the soil. This natural process maintains a delicate balance of carbon levels in the environment and plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.
The carbon cycle starts with carbon dioxide (CO2) being absorbed from the atmosphere by plants during photosynthesis, where it is converted into organic compounds. This process occurs primarily in green plants, algae, and some bacteria. These plants serve as the primary producers that convert carbon into biomass.
From here, carbon is cycled through the food web as animals consume plants, incorporating carbon into their own tissues. When plants and animals respire, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Decomposition of dead organic matter by bacteria and fungi also returns carbon to the atmosphere.
Additionally, the carbon cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and the oceans. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, where it is utilized by marine organisms through photosynthesis or released back into the atmosphere through respiration.
Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have disrupted the carbon cycle by releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This increase in CO2 levels contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change. Understanding and managing the carbon cycle is crucial in mitigating the impacts of human-induced climate change.
Common Misspellings for CARBON CYCLE
- xarbon cycle
- varbon cycle
- farbon cycle
- darbon cycle
- czrbon cycle
- csrbon cycle
- cwrbon cycle
- cqrbon cycle
- caebon cycle
- cadbon cycle
- cafbon cycle
- catbon cycle
- ca5bon cycle
- ca4bon cycle
- carvon cycle
- carnon cycle
- carhon cycle
- cargon cycle
- carbin cycle
Etymology of CARBON CYCLE
The word "carbon" originates from the Latin word "carbo", which means "charcoal" or "coal". The term "cycle" comes from the Greek word "kyklos", meaning "circle" or "wheel".
The term "carbon cycle" refers to the circulation or cycling of carbon atoms through various natural processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. The term was likely coined in the mid-20th century when the understanding of the global carbon cycle started to develop.
Similar spelling words for CARBON CYCLE
- carbon paper,
- carbonell,
- carbonized,
- carbon arc,
- carbon steel,
- carbondale,
- Carbon Tet,
- carbon process,
- carbuncle,
- carbonise,
- carbonaceous,
- carbonate,
- carbuncled,
- carbon black,
- carbon atom,
- carbon 14,
- carbonize,
- carbon arc lamp,
- carbon dioxide,
- carbonation,
- carbonylic,
- carbonated,
- Carbonneau,
- carbon copy.
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