0
The carbon cycle is a biogeochemical cycle.
That suggests three major types of processes: biological, geological, and chemical.
But it's probably more accurate and simpler to think of two major processes: biochemical and geochemical which can be shortened into just "BIOLOGICAL" and "GEOLOGICAL"
Biological means "involving life". It comes first in the term "biogeochemical", but the carbon cycle preceded the evolution of the earliest forms of life on our planet.
Important biological processes include photosynthesis, respiration, and decay. Photosynthesis is the way that living things absorb CO2. Respiration and decay are some of the ways that living things can release carbon back into their surrounding environments.
Geological (involving rocks) processes came first. Many forms of rock will react with carbon dioxide when exposed to air and water. This is often referred to as a form of "weathering" of rock surfaces, but it is just as easily imagined as rock being dissolved by a mild (carbonic) acid. It is also part of a more general geological process called erosion which eventually washes the rock as sediment into the seas where it can be compacted and cemented into sedimentary rock. Tectonic forces can push this rock under continental plates where it can be metamorphosed and or melted. Eventually this rock (and its carbon) can be expelled back into the atmosphere via a volcanic eruption.
There are some other biochemical and geochemicalprocesses involved in the carbon cycle. Combustion (burning) of organic material releases carbon into the surrounding air and soil. Marine animals also use carbon to help form their shells. These shells can later join the carbon/rock cycle as limestone or marble (after more geochemical changes involved in metamorphosis).
The four processes that drive the carbon cycle are photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. Photosynthesis involves plants and other organisms using carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds. Respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Decomposition breaks down organic matter and releases carbon compounds. Combustion involves burning fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Biological process, Geochemical process, Mixed bigeochemical process and human activities
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How many turns can a single glucose molecule drive the Krebs cycle?
A single glucose molecule can drive the Krebs cycle for 2 turns. This is because each glucose molecule is broken down into 2 molecules of pyruvate, and each pyruvate molecule enters the Krebs cycle once.
What is the usual form of chemical energy that will drive metabolic reactions?
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the most common form of chemical energy used to drive metabolic reactions in cells. ATP is produced through processes like cellular respiration and is then used as a 'molecular currency' to power various cellular processes.
Does photosynthesis use energy from ATP and high energy electrons from nadph produced in the light-dependent reactions to make glucose in the Calvin cycle?
Yes, in the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis, ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-controlled reactions. These energy carriers provide the necessary energy and reducing power to drive the synthesis of glucose during the Calvin cycle.
Why is ATP important in photosynthesis?
ATP is important in photosynthesis because it provides the energy necessary to drive the chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Without ATP, the process of photosynthesis would not be able to occur efficiently.
Is the Calvin cycle endergonic or exergonic?
The Calvin cycle is an endergonic process because it requires an input of energy in the form of ATP and NADPH to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose.
What two major biological processes drive the carbon and oxygen cycles?
Photosynthesis drives the carbon cycle, combining carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Respiration drives the oxygen cycle, breaking down glucose to release energy and produce carbon dioxide and water.
What two biological processes drive the carbon cycle?
Photosynthesis and respiration drive the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants and phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce organic compounds. On the other hand, respiration releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere when organisms break down organic matter to obtain energy.
Are the forces that drive the rock cycle beneath the earth's surface the same as the forces that drive the rock cycle on or near earth's surface?
The forces that drive the rock cycle beneath the earth's surface are not the same as the forces that drive the rock cycle on or near earth's surface because the processes of the rock cycle beneath the earth surface and above the earth surface are diffferent.
What are the roles of producers consumers decomposes in an ecosystem?
They are all required to drive the carbon/energy cycle.
What are roles producers consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem?
They are all required to drive the carbon/energy cycle.
What are the roles of producers consumers and decomposers in ecosystem?
They are all required to drive the carbon/energy cycle.
What are the roles producers consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem?
They are all required to drive the carbon/energy cycle.
What are the roles of producers consumers decomposers in ecosystem?
They are all required to drive the carbon/energy cycle.
Are the forces that drive the rock cycle beneath earths surface the same as the forces that drive the rock cycle on or near earths surface?
The forces that drive the rock cycle beneath Earth's surface, such as heat and pressure from the Earth's interior, are different from those on or near Earth's surface, which are mainly driven by weathering, erosion, and deposition processes. Both sets of forces ultimately contribute to the transformation of rocks through the rock cycle.
Does plate movements help to drive the rock cycle?
Yes, plate movements play a key role in driving the rock cycle by causing processes like subduction, uplift, and faulting which create new rocks through processes such as metamorphism and igneous activity. Plate movements also help in the erosion and weathering of rocks, which are important stages in the rock cycle.
How does the geosphere affect rock cycle?
The geosphere provides the materials for the rock cycle, such as rocks and minerals. Through processes like weathering, erosion, and volcanic activity, rocks are broken down and transformed into different types of rocks. The geosphere also influences the temperature and pressure conditions that drive the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks within the rock cycle.
What provides the energy that drives the rock cycle?
The energy that drives the rock cycle comes from Earth's internal heat, primarily generated by the radioactive decay of elements in the mantle and crust. This heat creates convection currents that move rocks within the Earth, leading to processes like melting, crystallization, and deformation that drive the rock cycle.
