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Like Venus and Mars, most of our CO2 was probably there from the beginning, and has been pulled out and sequestered in limestone, chalk, coal and oil deposits over hundreds of millions of years.

For the past few million years, CO2 cycles from a low in the summer (when it is absorbed by growing plants, grass and leaves) to a high in the winter, as those organisms die and release their stored up carbon. This cycle continues, though it has gradually increased due to human fossil fuel consumption.

MOST of the additional CO2 in our atmosphere over the past century has come from the the burning of coal and oil.

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How is carbon in fossil fuels eventually returned to the atmosphere?

When fossil fuels are burned for energy, carbon dioxide is released as a byproduct. This carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse gas effect. Additionally, fossil fuel extraction, processing, and transportation also release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.


Do cars omit carbon dioxide?

No, they release carbon and others from the exhaust but later the carbon goes through synthesis in which it forms carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.


Where do the carbon atoms come from to produce the certain sugar for photosynthesis?

The carbon atoms used to produce sugars during photosynthesis primarily come from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants take in carbon dioxide through small openings in their leaves called stomata, and then use the energy from sunlight to convert the carbon dioxide into sugars through a series of biochemical reactions.


What are the two ways in which carbon dioxide is added to the?

Respiration by animals is one of the ways through which carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere. The other way is through burning fuels that are carbon-based.


How does carbon and the atmosphere interact?

The carbon cycle moves carbon in and out of the atmosphere, the land, plants and animals, and the oceans. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a greenhouse gas that keeps the planet warm. Too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, from humans adding it by burning fossil fuels, is causing an accelerated greenhouse effect, global warming.

Related Questions

During the carbon cycle in what form are carbon atoms generally returned to the atmosphere?

Carbon atoms are generally returned to the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) through processes like respiration, decomposition, and combustion.


What are two ways in which carbon is returned to the atmosphere?

Carbon is returned to the atmosphere through the process of respiration by living organisms, where they release carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels for energy also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.


How is carbon returned in the atmosphere?

Carbon is returned to the atmosphere through processes like respiration by living organisms, decomposition of organic matter, and combustion of fossil fuels. When organisms respire, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Decomposition of dead organic matter also releases carbon dioxide, while burning fossil fuels releases carbon that has been stored underground back into the atmosphere.


How is carbon returned to the atmosphere?

Carbon is returned to the atmosphere through processes like respiration by animals and plants, decomposition of organic matter, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. These processes release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.


How oxygen is returned to the atmosphere?

Oxygen is returned to the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis carried out by plants, where they take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as a byproduct. Additionally, marine plants like phytoplankton also play a significant role in producing oxygen through photosynthesis.


What is it called when carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere?

* combustion * respiration * oxidization * Retrixilization (rare)


How is carbon dioxide returned the atmosphere?

Cellular respiration by producers and consumers returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.-Cellular respiration-Volcanic eruptions-Human interference (burning of fossil fuels)


How is carbon dioxide returned to the. atmosphere?

Cellular respiration by producers and consumers returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.-Cellular respiration-Volcanic eruptions-Human interference (burning of fossil fuels)


How is carbon cycled from the atmosphere through producers and consumers?

Carbon is cycled from the atmosphere to producers (plants) through photosynthesis, where they take in carbon dioxide to produce glucose. Consumers then consume these plants, obtaining carbon by eating them. When consumers respire or decompose, carbon is released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.


How does carbon dioxide go back to the atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide goes back to the atmosphere through respiration, the decomposition of plants and animals, and combustion.


How does matter(Carbon) cycle through the carbon cycle?

During the carbon cycle, carbon in the form of carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis. This carbon is then passed on to animals when they consume plants. When organisms die, the carbon is returned to the atmosphere through decomposition. Additionally, burning of fossil fuels and deforestation release stored carbon back into the atmosphere.


Why do decomposers decompose carbon dioxide?

Decomposers decompose organic matter, not carbon dioxide. When decomposers break down dead plant and animal material, they release carbon dioxide as a byproduct of the decomposition process. This carbon dioxide is then returned to the atmosphere, completing the carbon cycle.