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What is the carbon cycle?
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The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon molecules are exchanged between the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Through the cycle, carbon interacts with living organisms, the ocean, the atmosphere, and rocks, in the form of highly reactive carbon dioxide and other compounds. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, is converted to organic compounds and released back into the atmosphere during respiration or burning of organic matter; it is also released by weathering of rocks and dissolving of organic compounds. The ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide with each other; the ocean also absorbs and stores carbon in the form of dissolved carbon dioxide.