Visualize carbon flows between atmosphere, biosphere, ocean, and lithosphere.
Carbon moves between four reservoirs: Atmosphere (COâ‚‚, ~420 ppm), Biosphere (plants fix COâ‚‚ via photosynthesis), Oceans (dissolved COâ‚‚, largest sink), and Lithosphere (fossil fuels, rocks). Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon, increasing atmospheric COâ‚‚. This enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping heat. Oceans absorb ~25% of emissions but become more acidic.