How the carbon cycle occurs in nature and why it is important to us. Features of the circulation of water and some substances in the biosphere Additional material carbon cycle in nature
Carbon is one of the chemical elements without which life on our planet is impossible. It is found in every atom of the biological structure and takes on the function of a building material. The permanent (constant) process of moving carbon from organic structures to non-living bodies is called the carbon dioxide cycle on the planet. Such activity allows us to maintain the ability to exist of every atom of the biosphere.
In contact with
There are two types of compounds in the environment: organic (living) and inorganic (dead). The first include substances of biological origin (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids). Their structure contains a number of essential macroelements. Inorganic compounds that arise through the interaction of chemical reactions contain no carbon at all. These include metals, gases, oxides, salts, etc. The biosphere, using carbon as a fundamental element, transforms one state into another. Science calls this process the “cycle of substances”:
- The atmosphere, water environment and earth are filled with inorganic compounds that enter the food tract of the simplest living creatures (fungi, plants).
- The latter are absorbed by higher animals.
- When these creatures die, tiny organisms begin to process the dead flesh back into metal or salt.
This seems to be the general principle of the carbon dioxide cycle in nature. However, if we consider the issue more deeply, various nuances arise.
Respiratory exchange
CO2 is found in the air and mineral reserves of the earth. It is formed due to the processes breathing, burning and rotting. Flora easily absorbs carbon transformed into gas, and then processes it into organic matter. Photosynthesis occurs in the structure of plant leaves - the process of producing oxygen from chlorophyll and sunlight. With the help of special pigments, representatives of the flora absorb and store energy on biological membranes.
On a note!
The quality and speed of absorption depends on the category of the plant itself. Animals owe their existence precisely to the flora, which produces huge quantities of oxygen necessary for respiration.
Activities of the smallest creatures
On a note!
Some creatures do not require oxygen at all to break down dead structure. Anaerobic bacteria thrive in aquatic environments and are capable of producing black iron sulfide, which gives rivers or swamps their characteristic color.
Symbiosis is the beneficial interaction of two organisms- is part of the carbon cycle in the biosphere. Some animals are unable to break down fiber (cellulose), which has a complex structure. However, nature has placed beneficial microorganisms in the stomachs of artiodactyls. The latter easily cope with the breakdown of cellulose into simple elements, thereby obtaining food. The stomach of artiodactyls absorbs processed fiber.
Carbon on land
A third of this element is found in the atmosphere. Plants, which act as the main link in the food chain, need this amount to obtain the necessary energy through the process of photosynthesis. Herbivores are adapted to eat leaves, roots and stems. Predators are designed to eat weaker flora lovers. Organic substances formed after the death of a carnivore penetrate into the deep layers of the soil, where they are processed by active insects, bacteria and viruses.
The vital activity of the smallest organisms stimulates the formation of salts and gases, which are introduced into the structure of plants. Macroelements can linger for a long time in deep layers of soil, but more often they are released during the combustion of peat, methane and oil. The circulation of substances is resumed.
Biogeochemical carbon cycle in the ocean
The process of interaction of elements in the aquatic environment somewhat more difficult than on earth. Carbon dioxide dissolves in liquid for a long time, and the interaction of substances is slowed down. In the hydrosphere, three reservoirs with this element are classified: the surface, deep waters and the region of radioactive substances. Plankton located in the upper layers of the ocean is responsible for processing carbon dioxide. This is where the food chain begins. Then higher organisms absorb the weak, and when they die, they sink to the very bottom, where they are thoroughly processed by microorganisms.
The role of man
The “King of Nature” has long left the framework of animal life and is trying to adapt the surrounding biosphere to his needs, abusing the use of resources:
The meaning of the cycle
Over the millions of years of the planet’s existence, a huge amount of carbon dioxide has accumulated in its structure. History has known various variations of the exchange process (slow, gradual and catastrophic). Life would have no potential for development, if excluded movement of carbon from one compound to another. This element seems to be the main component in the construction of any biological system:
- Carbohydrates stimulate plant growth and nourish the bodies of animals. They break down in the digestive tract.
- Glycogen produced in the liver acts as an additional energy resource for higher organisms.
- Carbon is the building material of protein, which is created from amino acids.
The importance of the element for maintaining life processes cannot be overestimated. Its circulation from organic matter to dead objects promotes the flourishing of new structures and the necessary destruction of what is outdated. Using the example of carbon movement, it is easy to trace the dynamic component of biological processes.
During the course of chemical and physical processes in the earth's biosphere, the carbon (C) cycle constantly occurs. This element is the most important component of all living organisms. Carbon atoms constantly circulate in various areas of our planet. Thus, the carbon cycle reflects the dynamics of life on Earth as a whole.
How does the carbon cycle work?
Most carbon enters the atmosphere, namely in the form of carbon dioxide. The aquatic environment also contains carbon dioxide. At the same time, as occurs in air in nature, C turnover occurs in the environment. As for carbon dioxide, it is absorbed from the atmosphere by plants. Next, photosynthesis occurs, after which various substances are formed, which include carbon. The total amount of carbon is divided into parts:
- a certain amount remains in the composition of plant molecules, present in them until the tree, flower or grass dies;
- Together with flora, carbon enters the body of animals when they feed on vegetation, and during the process of respiration they exhale CO2;
- when carnivores eat herbivores, C enters the body of the predators, then released through the respiratory system;
- Some of the carbon remaining in plants enters the soil when they die, and as a result, carbon combines with atoms of other elements, and together they take part in the formation of fuel minerals such as coal.
Carbon cycle diagram
When carbon dioxide enters the aquatic environment, it evaporates and enters the atmosphere, taking part in the water cycle in nature. Part of the carbon is absorbed by marine flora and fauna, and when they die, the carbon accumulates at the bottom of the water area along with the remains of plants and animals. A significant part of C dissolves in water. If carbon is part of rocks, fuel or sedimentary, then this part is lost from the atmosphere.
It is worth noting that carbon enters the air due to volcanic eruptions, the exhalation of carbon dioxide by living beings and the emissions of various substances when burning fuel. In this regard, scientists have now found that excess CO2 accumulates in the air, which leads to the greenhouse effect. At the moment, an excess of this compound significantly pollutes the air and negatively affects the ecology of the entire planet.
Educational video about the carbon cycle
Thus, carbon is the most important element in nature and is involved in many processes. Its state depends on its quantity in one or another shell of the Earth. Excessive amounts of carbon can lead to environmental pollution.
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON CYCLE, carbon circulation in the biosphere. It is a complex chain of events. Its most important links are the absorption of carbon dioxide from the air by green plants in the process of PHOTOSYNTHESIS and the return of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere during respiration, as well as during the decomposition of the bodies of animals that feed on plants.
Elementary carbon is in constant motion. Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is first converted into simple sugars by photosynthesis in green plants. They are broken down (during respiration) and supply the body with energy, and CO2 is returned to the atmosphere. Animals that eat plants also metabolize sugars and release CO2. Geological processes influence the carbon balance across the globe: carbon is removed from the cycle when it accumulates in fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Conversely, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere when these combustible materials are burned.
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See what the “CARBON CYCLE” is in other dictionaries:
Carbon cycle- a process that begins within ecosystems with the consumption of CO2 by plants during photosynthesis from the air (and water) environment (annually 6-7% CO2). Part of the carbon then goes with the phytomass to animals and microorganisms. All aerobic organisms with... ... Ecological dictionary
carbon cycle- — EN carbon cycle The cycle of carbon in the biosphere, in which plants convert carbon dioxide to organic compounds that are consumed by plants and animals, and the carbon is… … Technical Translator's Guide
carbon cycle- anglies ciklas statusas T sritis ekologija ir aplinkotyra apibrėžtis Biogeocheminis ciklas, apimantis įvairius cheminius, fizinius, geologinius ir biologinius procesus, kuriais anglis juda Žemės biosferoje, geosferoje, hidrosferoje ir atmosferoje … Ekologijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas
Carbon cycle, the cyclical movement of carbon between the world of living things and the inorganic world of the atmosphere, seas, fresh waters, soil and rocks. This is one of the most important biogeochemical cycles, including many complex reactions during... ... Collier's Encyclopedia
OXYGEN CYCLE, the exchange of oxygen between the atmosphere and oceans, between processes occurring in animals and plants, and chemical combustion. The main source of oxygen renewal on Earth is PHOTOSYNTHESIS,... ... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary
CYCLE OF MATTER- CYCLE OF SUBSTANCES. Substance earth! noah cortex is located in. continuous movement caused by various reasons, | related to physical chem. properties of matter, | planetary, geological, geographical | skim and biol. conditions of the earth. This… … Great Medical Encyclopedia
CYCLE OF SUBSTANCES on Earth are repeating processes of transformation and movement of matter in nature, which are more or less cyclical in nature. The general cycle of substances consists of individual processes (the cycle of water, gases, chemicals... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
Oxygen cycle- a process that begins during plant photosynthesis with the release of oxygen into the biocenotic environment of ecosystems. Then oxygen flows through the inner circle to aerobic organisms, including plants (during the process of respiration). Part of it is spent on... ... Ecological dictionary
On Earth, repeating processes of transformation and movement of matter in nature, which have a more or less pronounced cyclic nature. These processes have a certain forward motion, because with the so-called cyclic... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
A repeating cyclic process of transformation and movement of individual chemical elements and their compounds. Occurred throughout the history of the Earth's development and continues today. There is always a certain deviation in composition and... Geographical encyclopedia
Books
- Carbon cycle and climate, Borisenkov E.P., Kondratyev K.Ya.. A review of the current state of research on the carbon cycle in the atmosphere-ocean-biosphere system, as well as the influence of increasing concentrations of CO 2 and other greenhouse gases on ...
Carbon is the most important biogenic chemical element, forming the basis of all organic and bioorganic compounds. The carbon cycle in nature is closely related to the oxygen cycle and both essential components of bioorganic substances. The cycles of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur are closely interconnected with the carbon cycle, since these are essential components of proteins and.
The biogeochemical cycle of carbon determines energy, because the vital activity of photosynthetic organisms and their interaction with heterotrophic organisms and inanimate nature is a mechanism for capturing, accumulating and redistributing carbon entering the planet.
Conventionally, the carbon cycle in nature can begin with carbon dioxide, which is found partly in the form of a gas (up to 0.04% by volume), and partly in a dissolved state in waters and other bodies of water, while constant gas exchange is realized between the atmosphere and. Carbon dioxide is formed in the process of aerobic organisms, which is the source of its appearance both in the atmosphere and in the hydrosphere. Large amounts of CO 2 are formed during eruptions, as a result of natural and man-made fires, as well as during the combustion of fuel, oxidation of organic matter of dead plants and animal corpses.
Free and dissolved CO 2 undergoes binding processes. Thus, a large amount of this gas enters into processes that result in the formation of organic matter of plant origin. By this process, CO 2 enters the cycle and returns to its original state when organic substances are oxidized either in respiration processes, or in processes of slow oxidation (rotting), or in combustion processes (fires, combustion as a result of anthropogenic impact).
The processes of carbon dioxide binding do not end there. Aqueous solutions of CO 2 can interact with carbonate rocks both on land and in:
CaCO 3 + CO 2 + H 2 O = Ca(HCO 3) 2
In this process, soluble bicarbonates are formed, which can move around the planet with water flow (,). These processes (formation of bicarbonates) occur at relatively low temperatures (in cold waters). When natural waters are heated, bicarbonates decompose to form insoluble carbonates and carbon dioxide, which can either remain in a dissolved state or be released into the atmosphere (this is another source of CO 2 entering the atmosphere or hydrosphere:
Ca(HCO 3) 2 = CaCO 3 ↓ + CO 2 + H 2 O
The resulting insoluble carbonates participate in the formation of sedimentary rocks, which removes carbon dioxide, and with it carbon, from the cycle for a long time, if the local concentration of CO 2 is low and the transition of carbonates into bicarbonates does not occur.
It is currently believed that the biogeochemical cycle of carbon is disrupted due to anthropogenic factors, since the amount of CO 2 entering the atmosphere due to human economic activity increases to 10% of the annual normal level of biogenic release of this gas and this amount continues to increase steadily.
However, the adverse effects of human activities on the processes regulating the carbon cycle on Earth are mitigated by the processes of carbon monoxide (IV) sequestration occurring in the ocean.
So, the carbon cycle in nature is a system of dynamic, fairly stable processes, with local changes occurring relatively easily, and global processes easily compensating for local impacts. Nevertheless, it is necessary to adjust human production activities in order to reduce the possibility of disrupting the natural course of the carbon cycle processes and other elements associated with it.
