The carbon cycle is one of the most important types of biogeochemical cycles on our planet Earth. It is essential for the conservation of the environment and the maintenance of terrestrial life. Next, we will describe what this cycle consists of, what its benefits are, and how its processes influence daily life.
By definition, the carbon cycle consists of a process by which said chemical component is exchanged between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, pedosphere and biosphere. These interactions are key to making life on Earth possible. On the other hand, the global carbon balance should be highlighted, which is the balance between the losses and income of the mineral.
The biogeochemical carbon cycle was discovered by scientists Antoine Lavoisier and Joseph Priestley. However, its popularity is notorious thanks to Humphry Davy.
Characteristics of the biogeochemical carbon cycle
It is a very versatile cycle, since atoms have the ability to make combinations with different biological elements. They constitute a primordial base for the molecules and the amino acid synthesis coming from proteins. The same applies to fatty acids.
It is a chemical process that allows the exchange of carbon between different living organisms. Their reactions occur in biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere, turning the mineral into carbon dioxide for living beings. The process also occurs in reverse.
Components of the biogeochemical carbon cycle
The carbon cycle makes exchanges of this component between numerous reserves as a result of processes biological, geological, physical Y chemicals. The components or deposits can be divided into the following.
Terrestrial atmosphere
The atmosphere contains only 0.001% of the planet’s total carbon, albeit in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. Its concentration is very low in the air that humans and other living beings breathe. Even so, all the processes where this mineral participates are essential to preserve life.
The atmosphere contributes 764 G tons of carbon (C) in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). It also contributes 10 G tons of carbon (C) in the form of Methane (CH4).
Biosphere
It is the area of the planet where life is present, which includes all ecosystems. Here the cellular biochemical processes, whether from plants, humans or animals.
The biosphere contributes around 610 G tons of Carbon (C) in the form of organic matter from plants and animals.
The lithosphere and the soils
They store approximately one third of the carbon in inorganic form, such as calcium carbonate. It has a complete interaction with the atmosphere, being decisive for the fulfillment of the life cycle. The amount of carbon available in this region is three times higher than the content of the atmosphere.
The lithosphere and the soil contribute 50000000 G tons of carbon (C) as part of the sedimentary rocks (limestones) and mainly calcareous sediments.
In addition, fossil fuels such as oil, natural gases, and coal contribute 5,000 G tons of carbon (C).
Oceans and the hydrosphere
The waters of the Earth house a 0.05% of all the carbon available in it. Presents as baking soda, which is combined with calcium, forming carbonate of calcium Y limestone. The oceans, in terms of reserves, are above the soil, since they absorb approximately half of all atmospheric carbon.
The oceans and the hydrosphere (rivers, lakes, lagoons, etc.) contribute around 36,000 G tons of carbon (C) dissolved in the waters.
Geological sediments
Obviously this is the biggest ore deposit on the face of the earth. Firstly, it is found inorganically in the form of limestone rocks, with an approximate proportion of 90%. The surplus is a mixture of organic remains located in sedimentary rocks.
Explanation of the carbon cycle
The biogeochemical carbon cycle it carries out different processes that are really complex. Its chemical reactions directly affect nature and everything that lives in it. For this reason, each stage of said cycle is described in detail at this time.
Combustion
Combustion is a chemical reaction which releases heat to the environment. It is quite common, since a very high percentage of the energy consumed on the planet is derived from the burning of fuels. These encompass oils, gasoline, gas, among other products obtained by the petroleum distillation.
Photosynthesis
The photosynthesis of the carbon cycle is an interaction that occurs in the green areas of plants. The leaves generate a chemical reaction to produce oxygen and glucose by carbon dioxide.
Breathing
It is an action executed by all living beings, including humans, plants and animals. Energy is released from glucose using the oxygen. For this process, the carbon dioxide and the Water.
Decomposition
This process is completely organic and is done by other living organisms. These might be bacteria, mushrooms either worms that manage to decompose and release carbon into the atmosphere through respiration. Putrefaction includes the waste of animals, plants and any other organism.
Organic carbon cycle
The organic carbon It is related to the sustainability of agricultural systems that affect soil properties. It is associated with the amount of available nutrients and the contribution of other mineral components. It manifests itself in the physical properties, distribution and structure of the pore spaces of the soils.
The amounts of organic carbon They do not depend only on climatic conditions, but also on soil management. The biological, physical and chemical properties of the surface also have an influence.
Long or slow cycle of organic carbon
The photosynthesis, breathing Y putrefaction directly affect the cycle organic carbon. Its process buries organic matter in rocks and sediments, transforming it into fossil fuels. The reserves are huge, although the carbon fluxes that are related to the processes are smaller.
On the other hand, it favors the oxidation of the reservoirs located in coals, hydrocarbons Y kerogens. Groundwater and air exposure have noticeable effects, as do tectonic movements. However, the constant combustion and extraction of gases, coals and oils can transform this long cycle into a short one.
It is important to note that long cycles of organic carbon have been taking place for thousands and even millions of years in the earth’s crust.
Short or fast cycle of organic carbon
The short organic carbon cycle (rapid carbon cycling) involves processes that take less than a century. The most basic of all is the interaction between respiration and photosynthesis, where inorganic carbon is converted to carbon dioxide. It also happens in reverse, through the cycle stages described above.
The photosynthesis uses solar energy to carry out a synthesis of organic matter. through her, converts carbon to carbohydrates, that is, larger molecules and higher complexity. It is a part of matter that corresponds to primary production.
intervene floors, algae Y bacteria, which are responsible for capturing energy from the sun to transform it into chemical reactions.
Inorganic Carbon Cycle
apart from conventional organic carbon cycle, there are other types of chemical interactions that happen in this mineral. There are some processes where carbon is recycled, involving the dioxide and the limestone. Its most important reservoir is the atmosphere, and to a lesser extent in oceans, carbonate rocks, and sediments.
An exchange is made between CO2 and atmospheric CO2 from the oceans in complete equilibrium. Then, a chemical alteration occurs in the rocks that converts the CO2 into HCO3, which is transported to marine waters through runoff.
Organisms perform a combination of such HCO3 with Ca2 with the aim of secreting the shell of CaCO3. Part of this component is dissolved at the bottom of the ocean, to finally be buried in sedimentary and carbonate rocks.
Biological carbon cycle
Is he biogeochemical carbon cycle fastest among all its variants. According to some studies carried out, the renewal of carbon in its amounts in the atmosphere occurs in a period of no more than twenty years. Obviously, this is achieved through the interaction of the photosynthesis and the breathing.
The photosynthesis absorbs the dioxide and the solar energy for the purpose of producing carbohydrates Y oxygen for plant growth. Subsequently, humans, plants and animals respire using the hydrates, obtaining energy and emitting carbon dioxide.
After the above, it enters the state of decomposition, releasing the compounds organics and CO2, like organic waste. As a consequence, carbon is returned to the atmosphere.
Importance of plants
The plants are key, since they are in charge of carrying out the production process. photosynthesis. They provide oxygen to all the ecosystems present on the planet. Once the plants die, they decompose and then