•

Updated Mar 9, 2026

•

2 pages

Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes and Types

Maisie Holland

@maisieholland_ojwl

The carbon cycle is one of Earth's most important processes,... Show more

LONG SHORT TERM CARBON CYCLE

THE CARBON CYCLE
Atmosphere
Decomposition
Ocean surface
Food web
Soil organic
residence time
average length of

Long Term Carbon Cycle

The long term carbon cycle is basically Earth's slow-motion carbon storage system that takes 100-200 million years to complete. Think of it as nature's ultimate recycling programme - just incredibly slow!

Carbon gets stored in five main places: rocks, fossil fuels, water, soils, and the atmosphere. The process starts when volcanoes erupt, releasing about 200 million tonnes of carbon annually as carbon dioxide. This CO₂ mixes with water to create carbonic acid, which falls as acidic rain.

This acidic rainfall chemically weathers rocks and minerals. Some carbon returns to the atmosphere, but the rest flows down rivers into oceans where marine creatures absorb it to build their shells and skeletons. When these organisms die, they sink to the sea floor and pile up in layers.

Key Point: Over millions of years, these layers get compressed into sedimentary rock, and with enough heat and pressure, they become fossil fuels - this is called carbon sequestration. At destructive plate boundaries, rocks get subducted into Earth's mantle, and the whole cycle starts again when carbon escapes through volcanic eruptions.

Short Term Carbon Cycle

The short term carbon cycle is the fast-paced version that moves carbon through living things in just years or decades. This cycle shifts between 1,000 to 100,000 million tonnes of carbon annually - that's massive compared to the long-term cycle!

The cycle revolves around four key processes: photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. Plants act as primary producers, absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis and converting it into carbohydrates whilst releasing oxygen. Marine phytoplankton do exactly the same thing in our oceans.

Animals break down these carbohydrates for energy, releasing CO₂ through respiration and methane through digestion. When organisms die, bacteria and fungi decompose them, releasing even more CO₂ and methane back to the atmosphere. Some carbon gets transferred into soil as humus, which contains millions of microorganisms that are also part of this cycle.

Remember This: Special environments like peat soils store massive amounts of carbon because they're so waterlogged that plants can't decompose properly. Climate change creates uncertainty about whether these areas will store more or less carbon in the future - making them crucial to monitor.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Geography

AQA GCSE Geography Paper 1 revision notes (excl. case studies)

Revision notes for the AQA GCSE Geography specification. Does not include case studies as they are selected by the school.

Geography

OCR B Geography Case Studies

Comprehensive revision notes covering key OCR B Geography case studies, including topics on climate change, urbanization, food security, and natural hazards. This resource is designed to aid students in understanding geographical concepts and preparing for exams effectively. Key case studies include Typhoon Haiyan, urban growth in Rio, and sustainable development practices in Tanzania.

Geography

Nigeria case study

AQA geography gcse

Geography

Coasts SUMMARISED

AQA A Level Geography Paper 1, Coasts summarised sheets

Geography

Urbanization Challenges Overview

Explore the dynamics of urbanization and its challenges in this comprehensive presentation. Delve into case studies of Birmingham and Mumbai, examining key concepts such as megacities, migration patterns, and urban trends. Understand the implications of urban growth on housing, employment, and environmental sustainability. Ideal for Geography GCSE students preparing for exams.

Geography

Typhoon Haiyan Overview

Explore the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan (2013) through its formation, primary and secondary effects, and both immediate and long-term responses. This case study highlights the catastrophic consequences for the Philippines, including loss of life, displacement, and recovery efforts. Ideal for students studying natural disasters and their management.

Geography

Geography Case Studies Overview

Explore essential case studies for AQA Geography GCSE Paper 1, covering topics such as desertification, flood management, coastal landscapes, and natural hazards like the Haiti earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan. This summary provides insights into key concepts including overgrazing, soil degradation, and effective management strategies. Ideal for students preparing for their exams.

Geography

Bristol case study

AQA geography gcse

Geography

Geography Hazards & Landscapes

Explore key concepts in AQA Geography, covering rivers, coasts, natural hazards, and ecosystems. This summary highlights essential topics such as river processes, coastal management, desertification, and case studies on earthquakes and tropical storms. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding geographical systems.

Geography

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

Criminology

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview

Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.

Criminology

AQA Biology: Key Concepts

Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.

Biology

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.6/5

App Store

4.7/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Geography

•

315

•

Updated Mar 9, 2026

•

2 pages

Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes and Types

Maisie Holland

@maisieholland_ojwl

The carbon cycle is one of Earth's most important processes, constantly moving carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living things. Understanding this cycle is crucial because it directly affects climate change and how our planet maintains the conditions necessary... Show more

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

Long Term Carbon Cycle

Key Point: Over millions of years, these layers get compressed into sedimentary rock, and with enough heat and pressure, they become fossil fuels - this is called carbon sequestration. At destructive plate boundaries, rocks get subducted into Earth's mantle, and the whole cycle starts again when carbon escapes through volcanic eruptions.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

Short Term Carbon Cycle

Remember This: Special environments like peat soils store massive amounts of carbon because they're so waterlogged that plants can't decompose properly. Climate change creates uncertainty about whether these areas will store more or less carbon in the future - making them crucial to monitor.