Ecology: Carbon Cycling
Carbon dioxide
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• Autotrophs convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and other carbon compounds. • In aquatic ecosystems carbon is present as dissolved carbon dioxide and hydrogen carbonate ions. • Carbon dioxide diffuses from the atmosphere or water into autotrophs. • Carbon dioxide is produced by respiration and diffuses out of organisms into water or the atmosphere. • Carbon dioxide is produced by the combustion of biomass and fossilized organic matter |
Skill: Construct a diagram of the carbon cycle.
Can we capture more methane to be used effectively?
• Methane is produced from organic matter in anaerobic conditions by methanogenic archaeans and some diffuses into the atmosphere or accumulates in the ground.
• Methane is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water in the atmosphere.
• Peat forms when organic matter is not fully decomposed because of acidic and/or anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.
• Partially decomposed organic matter from past geological eras was converted either into coal or into oil and gas that accumulate in porous rocks.
• Animals such as reef-building corals and mollusca have hard parts that are composed of calcium carbonate and can become fossilized in limestone.
• Methane is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water in the atmosphere.
• Peat forms when organic matter is not fully decomposed because of acidic and/or anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soils.
• Partially decomposed organic matter from past geological eras was converted either into coal or into oil and gas that accumulate in porous rocks.
• Animals such as reef-building corals and mollusca have hard parts that are composed of calcium carbonate and can become fossilized in limestone.
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Carbon FootprintApplication: Estimation of carbon fluxes due to processes in the carbon cycle. Carbon fluxes should be measured in gigatonnes. Application: Analysis of data from air monitoring stations to explain annual fluctuations. What do these graphs mean? Are these data sources reliable? How do you know? 
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