The carbon cycle is the natural process through which carbon atoms continuously move between the atmosphere, living organisms, the ocean, soil, and rocks on Earth. It is essential for sustaining life and regulating the planet's climate

. Key aspects of the carbon cycle:

• Carbon exists in various forms, including carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, organic molecules in living organisms, dissolved carbon in oceans, and carbon stored in rocks and sediments

• The cycle involves two main components:
  • The fast carbon cycle , which operates over short timescales (years to decades) and involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, plants, animals, and soils primarily through processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
  • The slow carbon cycle , which spans millions of years and includes geological processes such as the formation and weathering of rocks, sedimentation, and volcanic activity

• Plants and algae capture atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter that supports food webs. When organisms respire, die, or decompose, carbon is released back into the atmosphere or transferred to soil and ocean reservoirs

• Oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in surface waters and deep ocean sediments. Marine life also contributes to carbon cycling through biological activity

• Human activities, especially burning fossil fuels and land-use changes, have significantly increased atmospheric CO2 levels, disrupting the natural balance of the carbon cycle and contributing to climate change

In summary, the carbon cycle is a complex, dynamic system that recycles carbon through Earth's ecosystems and geosphere, maintaining a balance that supports life and influences global climate