Final answer:
The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, living organisms, and the geosphere, through processes such as volcanic eruptions, photosynthesis, and subduction, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The carbon cycle is a complex series of processes by which carbon is exchanged between the various reservoirs on Earth. This cycle is essential for regulating Earth's climate, providing nutrients for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and supporting life. Here is a summary of the carbon cycle events listed:
- Carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere from volcanoes or from the burning of fossil fuels.
- Carbon dioxide dissolves into the ocean.
- Plankton use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make organic molecules containing carbon.
- Organisms die and drift down to the benthic zone.
- Carbon builds up in layers at the bottom of the geosphere.
- Agricultural runoff carrying carbon is subducted into the Earth.
- Subducted ocean sediments melt as they are pulled down into the Earth.
- From deep in the Earth, magma carrying carbon is returned to the hydrosphere by volcanoes.
The carbon dioxide that is involved in these steps is a critical component of the carbon cycle, influencing global temperature and the overall health of ecosystems around the world.