SIKLUS KARBON by Alfadli Raihan (SMAN 13 JAKARTA)

Summary

The biogeochemical carbon cycle describes the continuous movement of carbon through the Earth's systems, involving biological, geographical, and chemical processes. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting from activities like respiration, industrial processes, and volcanic eruptions, is absorbed by producers (plants) through photosynthesis. This carbon is passed along the food chain to consumers (animals and humans). Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing carbon back into the environment. Over time, some carbon becomes fossil fuels, which, when burned, return carbon to the atmosphere, continuing the cycle. The process also involves the interaction of carbon with water, forming compounds like bicarbonates that support marine life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Biogeochemical cycles involve the circulation of chemical elements like carbon between the environment and living organisms, playing a key role in sustaining life on Earth.
• 😀 The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon compounds through the atmosphere, land, and oceans, starting with carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
• 😀 Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, released by activities like respiration, industrial processes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires, is absorbed by producers such as plants.
• 😀 Producers convert carbon dioxide into organic carbon compounds through photosynthesis, which are then used for energy storage and transferred to consumers like animals and humans via food chains.
• 😀 Respiration by living organisms releases carbon back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, which can be reabsorbed by producers.
• 😀 Decomposers break down organic matter from dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or water, where it can be absorbed again by producers.
• 😀 Some organic carbon remains trapped in organisms for long periods, potentially transforming into fossil fuels like limestone, coal, or petroleum, which are later used for industrial purposes.
• 😀 The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon back into the atmosphere, continuing the cycle.
• 😀 In aquatic environments, dissolved carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which interacts with calcium-rich rocks to produce bicarbonate and carbonate ions.
• 😀 Marine organisms, like shellfish, use dissolved carbon dioxide and calcium to form their shells, and when they die, their shells release carbon back into the environment.
• 😀 The carbon cycle is a continuous, cyclical process that helps regulate the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, supporting life on Earth by maintaining a balance of this essential element.

Q & A

What is the definition of biogeochemical cycles?

Biogeochemical cycles refer to the circulation of chemical elements through the environment and living organisms, returning to the environment in a repeating and continuous process.

How does the carbon cycle function in the atmosphere?

The carbon cycle in the atmosphere involves carbon dioxide (CO2), which makes up about 0.03% of the atmosphere. It is released through respiration, industrial activities, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.

What role do producers play in the carbon cycle?

Producers, such as plants, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon compounds via photosynthesis. This energy is stored as carbohydrates, which are used for plant growth or passed on to consumers.

How do consumers contribute to the carbon cycle?

Consumers, including animals and humans, obtain organic carbon by consuming producers. They also release carbon back into the atmosphere through respiration, completing the cycle.

What happens when organisms die in the carbon cycle?

When organisms die, decomposers break down their organic matter, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or water, where it can be absorbed again by producers.

Why do some carbon compounds take a long time to decompose?

Some carbon compounds take a long time to decompose because they may become trapped in sediments, forming fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas.

What is the connection between fossil fuels and the carbon cycle?

Fossil fuels, formed over long periods, contain stored carbon. When burned for industrial use, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by producers.

How do marine organisms utilize carbon in the carbon cycle?

In aquatic environments, carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which reacts with limestone to create bicarbonate and carbonate ions. Marine organisms use these ions to build their shells.

What happens to the carbon in marine organisms when they die?

When marine organisms die, their shells break down, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, completing the cycle.

How does the carbon cycle contribute to sustaining life on Earth?

The carbon cycle helps maintain the balance of carbon in the atmosphere, ensuring that carbon is constantly available for organisms to use in processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.