Chapter 11, Problem 15E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The cycles that carbon atoms go through, are to be explained. The number of such cycles formed by an average carbon atom is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The earth stores carbon in rocks, fossil fuels, oceans, the atmosphere, plants, as well as in the soil. This carbon is changed within its reservoirs in a biogeochemical cycle called the carbon cycle. It is through the carbon cycle that carbon is recycled among the biosphere and its organisms, and this occurs via slow and fast components.

Carbon is exchanged slowly within soil, rocks, ocean, and atmosphere via chemical reactions/tectonic activity. The carbon cycle within the biosphere, that is, among living organisms, is fast.