Human Impacts on the Carbon Cycle
Following are some of the impacts of humans on the carbon cycle;
- The burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases a tremendous amount of carbon back into the atmosphere which affects the carbon concentration of the atmosphere and the carbon cycle.
- Rising levels of carbon dioxide result in an increase in greenhouse gases and global warming.
- The rising temperatures of the atmosphere result in ocean and glaciers.
- Clearing land for agriculture, urban development, and deforestation results in several trees that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, resulting in the release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere.
- The use of synthetic fertilizers, various chemical substances, and increased mineralization of soil cause disturbances in the carbon cycle.
- Increased CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification, impacting marine ecosystems and the ocean’s role as a carbon sink.
Carbon Cycle
The Carbon cycle is a type of Biogeochemical Cycle. The carbon cycle definition states that it is a natural process of a continuous cycle of carbon on the planet. The carbon cycle steps maintain the balance of carbon within the environment. It is a complex web of interconnected processes that involves the cycling of carbon between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. In this article, we will read the carbon cycle steps, examples, the importance of the carbon cycle, and much more.
Table of Content
- Carbon Cycle Definition
- What is the Carbon Cycle?
- Types of Carbon Cycle
- Carbon Cycle Steps
- Carbon Cycle Diagram
- Carbon Cycle in the Atmosphere
- Carbon Cycle on Land
- Oceanic Carbon Cycle
- Carbon Cycle Examples
- Importance of the Carbon Cycle
- Human Impacts on the Carbon Cycle
- Key Points on Carbon Cycle