The Carbon Cycle and Microbes.

Here I have outlined the steps of the carbon cycle from the above diagram:

1.       Carbon-based fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas are formed.  Fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas are acquired from the ground.
2.       Carbon is released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, the respiration of decomposers, and the respiration of living organisms.
3.       Photosynthetic microbes and green plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce glucose.  Oxygen gas is released as a byproduct.
4.       Decay of dead organisms and waste products transport carbon back into the ground.  Overtime, the decomposed remains of said organisms under the right conditions are transformed into fossil fuels such as coal and gas that can be burned and released back into the atmosphere.

In discussing the carbon cycle, scientists have begun to study more in depth the role of microbial decomposers and their contribution to global warming.  Microbial decomposers natural to the carbon cycle include various soil microorganisms that function in the decomposition of carbon from plants and other photosynthetic organisms and release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.  This process, also known as soil respiration, is thought to release significantly higher amounts of carbon dioxide on a yearly basis than are produced from human activities, accounting for about 25% of naturally emitted carbon dioxide.  When exposed to higher temperatures, it is predicted that soil microorganism will release larger amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further enhancing the effects of global warming.