INTRODUCTION TO CARBON-CYCLE AND BIOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
A carbon cycle is a biogeochemical process. Carbon atoms present at all layers of the
earth’s atmosphere move in a cyclic fashion and take different forms at different layers.
To understand the carbon cycle, it is crucial to understand the meaning of the term
“biogeochemical.”
According to Oxford Dictionary, the term biogeochemical “relates to a cycle in which
chemical elements and simple substances are transferred between living systems and the
environment.” This term can be divided into three parts; Bio - stands for the living organisms,
Geo - Stands for the nonliving aspects i.e. land, rocks etcetera.
Chemical - stands for carbon atoms that chemically react and modify themselves in various arrangements as they move in the cycle.
IMPORTANCE OF CARBON AND THE CARBON-CYCLE
Carbon is an essential element for the creation of all life on earth. It has a property called catenation which allows it to form chains containing numerous carbon atoms, this is why
carbon is an essential part of various important chemical compounds like limestone, carbon dioxide, carbohydrates, and proteins that are found on this planet. The carbon cycle
ensures that carbon that is used up can be recycled and used again in a different stage of
the cycle; this makes it necessary as the amount of carbon present on the earth is definite
and the flow of carbon has to be continuous to prevent any excess accumulation at any
certain stage of the cycle.
EFFECTS OF DISRUPTION OF THE CARBON CYCLE AND ITS CAUSES
If the continuous flow of the carbon cycle is disrupted, one or more stages will face excess
input of carbon and harmful effects. Carbon emission from factories, vehicles, and
appliances makes the atmosphere saturated with carbon; this causes a spike greenhouse
effect - the trapping of heat by the earth’s atmosphere, causing the overall temperature of
the planet to rise.
Deforestation is also a major factor; trees utilize carbon but if these are cut, the carbon that was supposed to be used up by them will move to the next stage of the cycle, causing oversaturation.
WAYS TO PREVENT THE EFFECTS
Planting more trees.
Reducing carbon footprint.
Being aware and educated about these harmful effects.
Spreading awareness.
Waste reduction.
Following the three R's- reduce, reuse and recycle.
Researched & Written By: Manaswini Singh
Edited By: Kobiga Seralathan