Biological Carbon Cycle on Land (Slow)

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

Formation of Coal

Question 2

Step 1

Answer 2

Plants take up carbon as a part of photosynthesis and sequester the carbon in their bodies

Question 3

Step 2

Answer 3

Upon death, dependant on conditions, the plant will partially decompose.

Question 4

Step 3

Answer 4

More plants will die in the same location forming peat (a carbon rich soil).

Question 5

Step 4

Answer 5

Peat is squeezed over time by even more layers of vegetation, getting rid of the water and volatiles

Question 6

Step 5

Answer 6

This, over time forms a highly rich carbon rock - coal.

Question 7

Step 6

Answer 7

Over millions of years, rocks become subducted and carbon is released in outgassing of volcanoes.