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Processes of the Carbon Cycle - Coggle Diagram
Processes of the Carbon Cycle
Precipitation
Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in rainwater - forms a weak carbonic acid.
Rising concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere have increased acidity of the rainfall.
Oceans are now more acidic so could potentially harm marine life.
Decomposition
Rate is faster in warm, humid conditions e.g. tropical rainforests. Rate is slower in cold, dry environments e.g. tundra and deserts.
Decomposer organisms (fungi / bacteria etc.) break down dead organic matter. This extracts energy, releases CO2 into the atmosphere and
Weathering
The breakdown of rocks near the Earth's surface by chemical, physical and biological processes. Most involve rainwater which contains dissolved CO2.
RAINWATER: carbonic acid, slowly dissolves limestone / chalk, carbonation.
CaCO3 + H2CO6 ----> Ca(HCO3)2. Releases CO2.
Physical weathering (freeze thaw) breaks rocks, increased surface area exposed to chemical attack.
Chemical weathering transfers approx 0.3 billion tonnes of C to the atmosphere and oceans every year.
Biological weathering (chelation): humic acids are formed by rainwater + dead material which attacks rock minerals.
Combustion
Long, cold winters slow decomposition but fires free carbon and nutrients which the trees couldn't get before. It also opens up the canopy, creates new habitats and increases biodiversity.
Wildfires are essential to the health of some ecosystems like coniferous forest of the rocky mountains.
Occurs when organic material burns in the presence of O2. Releases CO2, SO2, and NO.
Can be a result of human activity.
Photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H20 ----> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Using the sun's energy, CO2 from the atmosphere and water, green plants and marine phytoplankton convert light energy to chemical energy via photosynthesis.
Plants use energy in the form of glucose to maintain growth, reproduction and other life processes. This releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
Respiration
The process where carbs are turned into CO2 and H2O.
CH2O + O2 ----> CO2 + H20 + energy
Plants and animals absorb O2 which burns these carbs and provides energy for metabolism and growth.