The illustrated diagram clearly presents how carbon moves within and around the Earth’s atmosphere. It indicates that carbon movement on Earth is an ongoing process that encompasses both natural and human activities.
As shown in the diagram, carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the primary sources of carbon in our environment, and it is produced through two major processes. The natural process involves both plants and animals. Plants use sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis, which generates CO2. Additionally, plants release CO2 and carbon into the atmosphere and subsurface through respiration. Animal respiration also contributes by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which eventually returns to the surface with rainfall. Furthermore, carbon is released at the surface level and absorbed by water due to the decay of organisms, waste decomposition, and the presence of fossils and fossil fuels underground.
The second process, human activity, includes factory waste and emissions, as well as exhaust releases, which are significant contributors to the large amounts of carbon dioxide discharged into the environment.