1) Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a major reservoir of carbon in the carbon cycle. It contains carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases.
2) Biosphere: The biosphere refers to all living organisms on Earth, including plants and animals. Photosynthesis, which occurs in plants, takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into organic compounds, thus playing a major role in the carbon cycle.
3) Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere includes all water bodies on Earth, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Carbon in the form of dissolved carbon dioxide is present in aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the oceans act as a carbon sink, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
4) Geosphere: The geosphere comprises Earth's solid surface, including rocks, soil, and minerals. Carbon is stored in underground reservoirs such as fossil fuels, coal, oil, and natural gas. Through processes like erosion, volcanic activity, and weathering, carbon is released into the atmosphere or sequestered in the geosphere over long periods.
List the four spheres of the carbon cycle.
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