4.2.2. Carbon cycle
Carbon is the most important element for living organisms.
With an average concentration of 350 mg/kg, carbon is not so
pervading on the Earth; yet, it has an exceptional role in the cycling
of elements. In the carbon cycle (biogeochemical cycle), one carbon
compound is converted into others, and this process occurs in the
atmo sphere, hydrosphere, litho sphere and biosphere. In the litho-
sphere, carbon is stored in carbonate sedimentary rocks (limestone –
CaCO
3
, dolomite – CaMg(CO
3
)
2
and others), and it also forms fossil
fuel sediments (coal, oil, bituminous shale). Furthermore, large
amounts of carbon compounds (carbon dioxide and methane)
are stored in the permafrost zone, and they also form waterbody
sediments and the decomposition products of organic substances in
the soil.
In the hydrosphere, carbon compounds are present in living
organic matter, carbonate ions and hydrogen carbonate ions in the
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