The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms.
The atmosphere is a major reservoir of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). The biotic components of the carbon cycle in the atmosphere include plants and algae, which absorb CO2 during photosynthesis to produce oxygen and organic compounds.
The oceans are another major reservoir of carbon, mostly in the form of dissolved CO2, bicarbonate ions, and carbonate minerals. The biotic components of the carbon cycle in the oceans include phytoplankton, which absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and transfer it to the ocean food web.
The land is another major reservoir of carbon, mostly in the form of soil organic matter, dead plant matter, and fossil fuels. The biotic components of the carbon cycle on land include plants, which absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, and decomposers, which break down dead plant matter and transfer carbon to the soil.
The process of photosynthesis and respiration connect the atmosphere, land and oceans. During photosynthesis, plants and algae absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, convert it into organic compounds, and release oxygen. During respiration, plants, algae, and other organisms use these organic compounds to produce energy, releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Humans are connected to the carbon cycle in many ways. For example, the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and land use change all release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. These activities contribute to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere which causes climate change.
In summary, the carbon cycle is the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and living organisms. The biotic and abiotic components of the carbon cycle are connected by the process of photosynthesis and respiration. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and land use change have significant impact on the carbon cycle and the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere.