Nitrogen, Carbon, and Phosphorus CyclesThe carbon cycle deals with the interaction of carbon between living organisms and the nonliving environment. This cycle is a process by which all carbon rotates. The main result of the carbon cycle is to serve as a large natural “recycler” of carbon atoms. The cycle works in a very basic way. First, carbon comes from carbon dioxide in the air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it, combined with the water they get from the soil, to make the substances they need for growth. The carbon is then mixed with water. The carbon dioxide then turns into sugar (glucose). The process of photosynthesis incorporates carbon atoms from carbon dioxide into sugars. Animals obtain carbon by eating plants and other animals. Animals eat plants and use the carbon to build their own tissues. Animals get rid of carbon dioxide in a process called respiration in which an organism supplies oxygen to its tissues and cells and releases the tissues and cells from carbon dioxide. However, some animals only get rid of carbon dioxide when they breathe, and when they die, the carbon is returned to the soil during decomposition. Carbon items continue to be recycled over and over again. For example, the carbon atoms can then be used in a new plant or in small microorganisms. Ultimately, the same carbon atom can move through many organisms and even end up in the same place where it started. Combustion is another way in which carbon is released into the atmosphere. Oil, gas, wood and coal use this process. The molecules combine with oxygen then turn into water and carbon dioxide and also release light and heat. Humans play the role of paper......dust in the air. It condenses when it reaches the dew point. When it condenses, it becomes liquid again or turns into ice, hail, rain, sleet or snow. These water particles eventually come together and form clouds. Precipitation in the form of ice, rain, sleet, snow and hail comes from clouds. Clouds move across the world, propelled by air currents. Water vapor is also emitted by plants in a process called transpiration. Excessive rain or melting snow can produce surface runoff into streams and ditches. Runoff is a visible flow of water in rivers, streams and lakes as water stored in the basin drains away.Bibliography:Sources consulted1. Environmental Handbook by Raven, Berg, Johnson2. “Science in the world around us” by: David Lancer3. “Discover the environment” by: Lori Klien4. www.Encarta.com5. http://library.thinkquest.org/11226