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The Geologic Carbon Cycle

Topic

  • Earth Science
  • Geology
  • Atmosphere
  • Biogeochemical Cycles

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:06:20
Saved By
40 Users
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Description

This animation explores how carbon enters the atmosphere and can be removed through a series of chemical reactions.

Carbon naturally cycles between the atmosphere, land, and ocean. The animation follows one common path of carbon through different forms and locations. As shown, carbon can enter the atmosphere as carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions. Carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere by dissolving in water to form carbonic acid, which is carried to the ground in rainwater. Carbonic acid can react with rocks through weathering and ultimately produces calcium carbonate in the ocean, also known as limestone or chalk.

This animation is a clip from a 2012 Holiday Lecture Series, Changing Planet: Past, Present, Future. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different parts of the carbon cycle.

Key Terms

atmosphere, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon sequestration, carbonic acid (H2CO3), chemistry, greenhouse gas, mineral, weathering

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 04.18.12

Materials

Large (MOV) 47 MB
Large (WMV) 47 MB
Small (MOV) 27 MB
Small (WMV) 27 MB
Transcript (PDF) 22 KB

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