Abstract:
Carbon is an important component of biological systems and, therefore, the carbon
cycle consists of a sequence of events that are undoubtedly the key in making the
Earth capable of sustaining life.1 Nature has maintained a fine balance in the total
carbon content of the earth by distribution and exchange among the biosphere,
pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. About two-thirds of the total
carbon on earth is stored inertly in the lithosphere in the form of fossil fuels,
limestone rocks and sediments.1 Such reserves of carbon are a result of storage over
millions of years. The geological component of the carbon cycle operates slower
in comparison to the other parts of the global carbon cycle. It is one of the most
significant determinants of the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Oceans contain
the greatest quantity of actively cycled carbon.1