The Carbon Cycle

Carbon dioxide in the Atmosphere

Carbon layer in the surface of the sea (carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions)

dissolving

coming out of solution

Carbon in phytoplankton

Carbon in marine animals

photosynthesis

respiration

eaten

Dead organic matter

death

Dissolved in deep ocean

decay

carried by ocean current

Fossil Fuels

Carbonate rocks

fossilisation and sedimentation

Carbon in plants (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins)

Carbon in animals (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins)

eaten

photosynthesis

respiration

Dead organic matter

death

fossilisation and sedimentation

Methane

Aerobic soil respiration

Anaerobic soil respiration

oxidation in atmosphere