The main driving force of the carbon cycle is the movement and transformation of carbon among the Earth's reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. Several key processes contribute to this cycle, including:
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Photosynthesis: Plants and some microorganisms convert carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere into organic matter using sunlight, playing a critical role in capturing atmospheric carbon.
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Respiration: Living organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, convert organic carbon back into CO2 through the process of respiration, releasing energy.
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Decomposition: When organisms die, decomposers break down their bodies, releasing stored carbon into the soil or atmosphere as CO2 or methane (CH4), continuing the cycle.
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Ocean Exchange: The oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and release it back, facilitating a constant exchange that regulates atmospheric CO2 levels.
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Human Activities: Activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and land-use changes significantly impact the carbon cycle by increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Overall, while natural processes drive the carbon cycle, human activities have increasingly modified its dynamics, contributing to concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability.
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