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processes in the carbon cycle (KE) - Coggle Diagram
processes in the carbon cycle (KE)
precipitation
atmospheric CO2 dissolves in rainwater to form weak carbonic acid
this is a natural process
however, rising concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere, due to anthropogenic emissions have increased the acidity of rainfall
this has contributed to increased acidity if ocean surface waters with potentially harmful effects on marine life
weathering
the insitu breakdown of rocks at or near the Earth's surface by chemical, physical or biological processes
chemical weathering
this dissolves limestone and chalk in the process known as carbonation
CaCO3 + H2CO6 -> Ca(HCO3)2
carbonation releases carbon from limestones to streams, rivers, oceans and the atmosphere
most weathering involves rainwater which contains dissolved CO2, derived from soil as well as the atmosphere
this process is most effective beneath a soil cover because the higher concentration of CO2 in the soil makes rainwater highly acidic
physical weathering
freeze-thaw weathering breaks rocks down into smaller particles
involves no chemical changes
however, increases the surface area exposed to chemical attack
biological weathering
processes such as chelation also contribute to rock breakdown
rainwater mixed with dead and decaying organic material in the soil forms acids which attack rock minerals
this process is important in humid tropical environments where decomposition is rapid and forest trees provide abundant leaf litter
photosynthesis
respiration
decomposition
combustion
sequestriation