Two key ways carbon is stored in the carbon cycle are:
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Photosynthesis: During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter (like sugars) using sunlight. This carbon is then stored in plant biomass—roots, stems, and leaves—as well as in the soil when plants die and decompose.
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Ocean Absorption: The oceans play a crucial role in storing carbon by absorbing large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This carbon is then taken up by marine organisms, such as phytoplankton, or forms bicarbonate ions, which can remain in water for long periods, effectively sequestering carbon away from the atmosphere.
These processes highlight how carbon is cycled between different reservoirs, helping to regulate Earth's climate.