STRAND 2 CYCLES

SUB-STRAND 1 EARTH SCIENCE

B8.2.1.1.1 Explain the process of carbon cycle.
The planet Earth and its atmosphere forms a closed system.
A closed system is a physical system that does not allow either the entry or exit of matter [materials]
into or out of it. From the definition of a closed system, the amount of carbon and carbon compounds
do not change because none can either leave or enter the Earth.
All living things and even some non-living things are made up of [contains] carbon. Carbon also forms
part of the ocean, the air and even some rocks. In the atmosphere, carbon is mostly not found alone
as a separate element but it is rather found to exist together with a gas like oxygen to form a
compound like; carbon dioxide [CO2 ] and carbon monoxide [CO].
Carbon circle is the continuous circulation of carbon in various forms through nature.
Following are the major steps involved in the process of the carbon cycle:
 Carbon present in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants for photosynthesis.
 These plants are then consumed by animals and carbon gets bioaccumulated into their bodies.
 These animals and plants eventually die, and upon decomposing, carbon is released back into
the atmosphere.
 Some of the carbon that is not released back into the atmosphere eventually become fossil
fuels.
 These fossil fuels are then used for man-made activities, which pump more carbon back into
the atmosphere.

Carbon Cycle on Land

1.Carbon in the atmosphere is present in the form of carbon dioxide. Carbon enters the atmosphere
through natural processes such as respiration and industrial applications such as burning fossil fuels.
The process of photosynthesis involves the absorption of CO2 by plants to produce carbohydrates.
The equation is as follows: CO2 + H2O + energy → (CH2O)n +O2
2.Carbon compounds are passed along the food chain from the producers to consumers. The majority
of the carbon exists in the body in the form of carbon dioxide through respiration. The role of
decomposers is to eat the dead organism and return the carbon from their body back into the
atmosphere. The equation for this process is: (CH2O) +O2 → CO2 + H2O

Oceanic Carbon Cycle

1.This is essentially a carbon cycle but in the sea. Ecologically, oceans take in more carbon than it
gives out. Hence, it is called a “carbon sink.” Marine animals convert carbon to calcium carbonate and
this forms the raw building materials require to create hard shells, similar to the ones found in clams
and oysters.
2.When organisms with calcium carbonate shells die, their body decomposes, leaving behind their
hard shells. These accumulate on the seafloor and are eventually broken down by the waves and
compacted under enormous pressure, forming limestone.
When these limestone rocks are exposed to air, they get weathered and the carbon is released back
into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Main stages in the Carbon cycle

The entire Carbon cycle can be summarized into four [4]stages. These are;
a. Photosynthesis,
b. Respiration,
c. Burning or combustion
d. Decay or decomposition.
a. Carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants. In the atmosphere, carbon is attached to oxygen in a
gas called carbon dioxide (CO2). Through the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is pulled
from the air to produce food made from carbon for plant growth. Photosynthesis is the main process
by which Carbon in the form of Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere.
Photosynthesis is the process during which plants combine water [H2O] and 2 carbon dioxide [CO2 ]
to form/produce glucose [C H O ] oxygen [O ] 6 12 6 and 2 using light energy from the sun. The
energy needed for the above process is trapped into the plant by the green pigment chlorophyll
6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2
b. Carbon moves from plants to animals. Through food chains, the carbon that is in plants moves to
the animals that eat them. Animals that eat other animals get the carbon from their food too.
Respiration is the process during which all living things break down food substances [materials] to
release energy with or without the use of oxygen. This activities that release carbon or carbon
compounds in to the atmosphere C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
c. Carbon moves from plants and animals to soils. When plants and animals die, their bodies, wood
and leaves decays bringing the carbon into the ground. Some is buried and will become fossil fuels in
millions and millions of years. Plants and Animals when eventually die, the dead
plants and animals are eaten by the Decomposers such as Bacteria and
other Microorganisms. The carbon present in these organisms is released into the atmosphere in the
form of carbon dioxide.
Decay or decomposition is the process during which organic matter [dead plants and animal
materials] are broken down into inorganic forms like carbon dioxide, methane and mineral salt. This
activities that release carbon or carbon compounds in to the atmosphere
d. Carbon moves from fossil fuels to the atmosphere when fuels are burned. When humans burn
fossil fuels to power factories, power plants, cars and trucks, most of the carbon quickly enters the
atmosphere as carbon dioxide gas. Each year, five and a half billion tons of carbon is released by
burning fossil fuels. Of this massive amount, 3.3 billion tons stays in the atmosphere. Most of the
remainder becomes dissolved in seawater.
Combustion is a chemical reaction that involves the oxidation of fuel; i.e. action of oxygen on fuel to
release energy. This activities that release carbon or carbon compounds in to the atmosphere
The four [4] main processes above can be further divided into two [2] main groups.
These are;
1. Activities that remove/take carbon or carbon compounds from the atmosphere; Photosynthesis is
the main process by which Carbon in the form of Carbon dioxide is removed from the
atmosphere
2. Activities that release carbon or carbon compounds in to the atmosphere. Respiration,
Decomposition or Decay and Combustion or Burning.
The table below is a summary of the various forms/compounds of carbon and the processes which
change them into other forms.
Process in the carbon The form in which carbon The form in which carbon
cycle starts ends
Photosynthesis Carbon dioxide [ O2 ] Glucose [C6 H12 O6 ]
Respiration Glucose [C6 H12 O6 ] Carbon dioxide [ O2 ]
Combustion [burning] Fuel like methane/wood [C Carbon monoxide [CO] and
H4 ] Carbon dioxide [ CO2 ]

B8.2.1.1.2 Describe the role of carbon cycle to the environment

The carbon cycle has several effects on the food chain. Some of these effects include:
1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used by plants during photosynthesis to produce glucose, which is a
source of energy for all living organisms in the food chain.
2. When plants are consumed by herbivores, the carbon stored in the plants is transferred to the
herbivores.
3. When herbivores are consumed by carnivores, the carbon is further transferred up the food chain.
4. Decomposers break down dead organisms and release carbon back into the environment, allowing
it to be reused by plants in the cycle.
There are several activities that can promote the carbon cycle.
Here are a few examples:
1. Planting trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, helping
to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
2. Conserving forests: Protecting and preserving forests helps to maintain their ability to absorb
carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis.
3. Using renewable energy sources: Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar or
wind power can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide when burned.
4. Practicing sustainable agriculture: Implementing sustainable farming practices, such as crop
rotation and organic farming, can help to sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
5. Recycling and waste management: Properly managing waste, including recycling and
composting, can help to reduce the amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, released from
landfills.
Activities that can disrupt the carbon cycle.
Here are a few examples:
1. Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, logging, or urban development reduces the number
of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
2. Burning fossil fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, releases
large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and
climate change.
3. Land degradation: Activities like overgrazing, improper land management, and soil erosion can
reduce the ability of vegetation and soil to absorb and store carbon, disrupting the carbon cycle.
4. Industrial processes: Certain industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical
manufacturing, release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
5. Converting natural ecosystems, such as forests or grasslands, into agricultural or urban
areas can disrupt the carbon cycle by reducing the amount of vegetation available to absorb carbon
dioxide.

Effects of carbon cycle disruption:

1. Increased greenhouse gas levels: Disruption of the carbon cycle leads to an increase in
greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming
and climate change.
2. Ocean acidification: Higher carbon dioxide levels in the ocean can lead to ocean acidification. This
can harm marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells or
skeletons, such as coral reefs.
3. Changes in ecosystems: Disruption of the carbon cycle can result in changes to ecosystems. This
can include shifts in species distribution, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in the availability of
resources for different organisms.
4. Impacts on plant growth: Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis, and any disruption in its
levels can affect plant growth and productivity. This can have cascading effects on food webs and
agricultural systems.

The relationship between the greenhouse gases and carbon cycle.

1.Greenhouse gases and the carbon cycle are closely interconnected. The carbon cycle is a natural
process that involves the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere, land, and
oceans. Greenhouse gases, including CO2, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to the
greenhouse effect.
2.During the carbon cycle, plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis,
converting it into organic matter. When plants and animals respire or decompose, they release CO2
back into the atmosphere. This is known as the biological carbon cycle.
Additionally, the carbon cycle involves the exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the
oceans. The oceans act as a carbon sink, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. This process helps
regulate the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.
3.However, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have disrupted the
carbon cycle by releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This excess CO2 enhances the
greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change.
In summary, the carbon cycle and greenhouse gases are interconnected through the exchange of
CO2 between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Disruptions to the carbon cycle, such as increased
CO2 emissions, contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in
the greenhouse effect and its associated impacts on the Earth's climate
Global warming
This is an increase in average global temperatures. It is caused by an increase in Greenhouse Gases
in the Atmosphere

Human activities that contribute to global warming or Causes of global warming.

 Burning of fossil fuels/ petrol/ hydrocarbons/ wood/ coal etc.
 Deforestation/ cutting down trees or vegetation.
 Industrial activities or fumes from industries
 Bush or forest fires.
 Emission of exhaust fumes from cars.
 Cooking of food.
 Agricultural activities or breeding of cattle which produce methane.
Effects of global warming
 An increase in atmospheric temperature.
 The melting of icebergs.
 Less availability of freshwater bodies such as rivers, streams, lakes.
 Increase use of chemical fertilizers on crop lands.
 Wide spread extinction of species.
 Change in the ecosystem or climate.
 Massive crop failure.
 Increase in drought or fires.
 Rise in the sea level.

Ways of minimizing global warming or possible factors to address the problem of global
warming
 Planting more trees.
 Encouraging the use of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.
 Recycling of plastic bags and containers.
 Changing light bulbs with compact fluorescent light.
 Purchases of energy efficiency products.

Replacement of old appliances.
TEST YOUR MIND
a. Any process by which plants convert sunlight into sugar compounds is called _____.
b. _____ _____ is the process of extracting energy through breaking down of glucose from food.
c. The continuous circulation of carbon in various forms through nature is known as _____ _____.
d. _____ _____, the world's primary energy source, are derived from prehistoric remains of living
organisms.
e. _____ that live for a long period could trap carbon.
f. The _____ process is described as the breaking down of dead organic substances that
eventually become part of the soil.
g. New organisms use carbon to form key molecules, such as _____.
h. The _____ that plants use to make sugar compounds are CO2, sunlight, and water.
i. Organisms exhale _____ _____, a gas that is a by-product of cellular respiration.