Carbon cycle

The carbon cycle is a wonderful way that carbon moves around our planet. Carbon is very important because it is part of all living things and is found in rocks, water, and air.

There are two main parts to the carbon cycle: a fast cycle and a slow cycle. The fast cycle moves carbon between the air, plants, and animals in just a few years. Plants take in carbon from the air to make food. When plants drop leaves or die, their carbon mixes into the soil. Water can carry carbon from land to rivers and oceans.

The slow cycle takes millions of years. It moves carbon through rocks deep inside the Earth. Over very long times, carbon can become part of rocks and then return to the surface or the air.

People have changed the carbon cycle by burning things like coal, petroleum, and gas. This has put more carbon dioxide into the air, which helps trap heat and causes global warming. Even so, carbon dioxide is important because plants use it to make food through photosynthesis.

The carbon cycle helps keep our planet healthy by moving carbon between the air, land, water, and inside the Earth. It is one of many natural processes that make Earth a special place for life.