A quantitative model of the biogeochemical cycling of carbon (in Gigatons, GtC) among the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Total mass is conserved.
Adjust the rate of human carbon extraction and combustion. Notice the effect on the atmosphere and ocean over time.
Carbon cycles continuously between the atmosphere, terrestrial biosphere (plants, soil), hydrosphere (oceans), and geosphere (fossil fuels, rocks). Photosynthesis removes CO₂ from the atmosphere, while respiration and decay return it. The ocean acts as a massive sink, dissolving CO₂ directly from the air. Before human industrialization, these fluxes were largely in equilibrium. The rapid extraction and combustion of fossil fuels transfers carbon from the slow-moving geosphere pool directly into the rapid-moving atmosphere pool, overwhelming the natural sinks and driving climate change.