Carbon Cycle Part II

Now that you understand the basics of the Carbon Cycle, let's examine this video that goes into a bit more depth- including what happens in aquatic environments and how humans alter the cycle. 

You should be focusing on these study guide questions

3. Draw the path of the carbon atom in pictures as it moves from the atmosphere, through plants, an herbivore, a carnivore and decomposers.

• • • What is the process by which carbon get from the atmosphere into plants? What is the equation for photosynthesis (see powerpoint)?
    • What form of carbon do plants absorb? What molecules do they create with CO2?
    • What form of carbon do animals absorb/eat? What do they do with those organic molecules?
    • Do plants also do cellular respiration?
    • How does carbon get into the soil? What form of carbon is in the dead bodies of plants and animals (and their feces and urine)?
    • Which group of organisms feeds on those organic molecules?
    • What chemical reaction do decomposers do?
    • Does their cell respiration release CO2 into the atmosphere?
    • Are there plants and animals and decomposers doing the same thing in aquatic habitats? 
    • What happens if a dead plant or animal doesn't get decomposed?
    • What happens to those organic molecules that are trapped in fossils?
    • What form of carbon gets dissolved in water and how does that relate to shells and limestone?
    • What happens if a dead plant or animal doesn't get decomposed?
    • What happens to those organic molecules that are trapped in fossils?
    • How much time does it take for fossilized organic molecules to get compressed into oil, natural gas or coal?
    • Have we changed the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere in the last 150 years?
    • What is the impact of deforestation, burning wood for heat/cooking? 

4. Draw a molecule of water as it moves through the water cycle, from oceans through land and back to the oceans. 

• • • Where do we find liquid, solid and gaseous water? 
    • What are the differences between these forms of water?
    • What is the role of evaporation, precipitation and condensation in the water cycle?
    • How do plants contribute to the water cycle? 
    • Where does the water come from that feeds creeks, streams, lakes and the ocean?

Transcript of 'How Carbon Affects Nearly Everything on Earth, Including Us' video (Word doc) Download Transcript of 'How Carbon Affects Nearly Everything on Earth, Including Us' video (Word doc)

Question:

The video doesn't do a great job explaining what happens in aquatic environments. Here is a very simplified drawing that I put together to show the process. 

• • CO2 dissolves carbonate
  • Shell fish, coral and other animals use the carbonate to make their shells (calcium bicarbonate, etc)
  • When they die and fall to the bottom of the ocean, they create enough pressure to convert their mass into limestone.
  • Over time and with geologic activity, the limestone is lifted up above sea level and erodes, putting carbonate back into the soil and water. 

Here is more information about fossil fuels.