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a:not(.button):not(.wp-block-button__link):not(.wp-element-button){color:var(--global-palette8);}.site-footer .site-top-footer-wrap a:not(.button):not(.wp-block-button__link):not(.wp-element-button):hover{color:var(--global-palette8);}.site-top-footer-inner-wrap{padding-top:30px;padding-bottom:30px;grid-column-gap:30px;grid-row-gap:30px;}.site-top-footer-inner-wrap .widget{margin-bottom:30px;}.site-top-footer-inner-wrap .widget-area .widget-title{font-style:normal;color:var(--global-palette8);}.site-top-footer-inner-wrap .site-footer-section:not(:last-child):after{right:calc(-30px / 2);}.site-bottom-footer-wrap .site-footer-row-container-inner{background:var(--global-palette3);font-style:normal;font-size:14px;color:var(--global-palette7);}.site-footer .site-bottom-footer-wrap a:where(:not(.button):not(.wp-block-button__link):not(.wp-element-button)){color:var(--global-palette7);}.site-footer .site-bottom-footer-wrap a:where(:not(.button):not(.wp-block-button__link):not(.wp-element-button)):hover{color:var(--global-palette9);}.site-bottom-footer-inner-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;grid-column-gap:30px;}.site-bottom-footer-inner-wrap .widget{margin-bottom:30px;}.site-bottom-footer-inner-wrap .site-footer-section:not(:last-child):after{right:calc(-30px / 2);}#colophon .footer-html{font-style:normal;font-weight:600;color:var(--global-palette8);margin:0.6em 0em 0.6em 0em;}#colophon .site-footer-row-container .site-footer-row .footer-html a{color:var(--global-palette8);}#colophon .site-footer-row-container .site-footer-row .footer-html a:hover{color:var(--global-palette8);}#colophon .footer-navigation .footer-menu-container > ul > li > a{padding-left:calc(1.2em / 2);padding-right:calc(1.2em / 2);padding-top:calc(1em / 2);padding-bottom:calc(1em / 2);color:var(--global-palette9);}#colophon .footer-navigation .footer-menu-container > ul li 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class="content-area"> <div class="content-container site-container"> <main id="main" class="site-main" role="main"> <div class="content-wrap"> <article id="post-484" class="entry content-bg single-entry post-484 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-life-science category-natural-environment mv-content-wrapper"> <div class="entry-content-wrap"> <header class="entry-header post-title title-align-center title-tablet-align-center title-mobile-align-inherit"> <div class="kadence-breadcrumbs yoast-bc-wrap"><span><span><a href="https://earthhow.com/">Home</a></span> 禄 <span><a href="https://earthhow.com/category/life-science/">Life Science</a></span> 禄 <span><a href="https://earthhow.com/category/life-science/natural-environment/">Natural Environment</a></span> 禄 <span class="breadcrumb_last" aria-current="page">What Is the Carbon Cycle? Photosynthesis, Decomposition, Respiration and Combustion</span></span></div><h1 class="entry-title">What Is the Carbon Cycle? Photosynthesis, Decomposition, Respiration and Combustion</h1><div class="entry-meta entry-meta-divider-customicon"> <div class="meta-comments"><span class="kadence-svg-iconset"><svg class="kadence-svg-icon kadence-comments-alt-svg" fill="currentColor" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="28" height="28" viewBox="0 0 28 28"><title>Comments</title><path d="M10 14c0 1.109-0.891 2-2 2s-2-0.891-2-2 0.891-2 2-2 2 0.891 2 2zM16 14c0 1.109-0.891 2-2 2s-2-0.891-2-2 0.891-2 2-2 2 0.891 2 2zM22 14c0 1.109-0.891 2-2 2s-2-0.891-2-2 0.891-2 2-2 2 0.891 2 2zM14 6c-6.5 0-12 3.656-12 8 0 2.328 1.563 4.547 4.266 6.078l1.359 0.781-0.422 1.5c-0.297 1.109-0.688 1.969-1.094 2.688 1.578-0.656 3.016-1.547 4.297-2.672l0.672-0.594 0.891 0.094c0.672 0.078 1.359 0.125 2.031 0.125 6.5 0 12-3.656 12-8s-5.5-8-12-8zM28 14c0 5.531-6.266 10-14 10-0.766 0-1.531-0.047-2.266-0.125-2.047 1.813-4.484 3.094-7.187 3.781-0.562 0.156-1.172 0.266-1.781 0.344h-0.078c-0.313 0-0.594-0.25-0.672-0.594v-0.016c-0.078-0.391 0.187-0.625 0.422-0.906 0.984-1.109 2.109-2.047 2.844-4.656-3.219-1.828-5.281-4.656-5.281-7.828 0-5.516 6.266-10 14-10v0c7.734 0 14 4.484 14 10z"></path> </svg></span><a class="meta-comments-link anchor-scroll" href="#comments">37 Comments</a></div></div></header> <div class="entry-content single-content"> <div class="wp-block-kadence-image kb-image484_ec31ab-53"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="675" height="519" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Carbon-Cycle-1-675x519.png" alt="Carbon Cycle" class="kb-img wp-image-18913" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Carbon-Cycle-1-675x519.png 675w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Carbon-Cycle-1-300x231.png 300w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Carbon-Cycle-1.png 680w" sizes="(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px"/></figure></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <p>Carbon cycles from the atmosphere into plants and living things. For example, carbon is a pollutant in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.</p> <p>But it’s also the most <strong>important building block</strong> for all living things including glucose.</p> <p>Over millions of years, carbon can get re-purposed into hydrocarbons. This is the <a href="https://earthhow.com/long-term-carbon-cycle/">long-term carbon cycle</a>.</p> <p>So, carbon takes up various forms: glucose in plants, carbon dioxide in the air, and hydrocarbons like coal.</p> <p>But today, we’ll talk about the <strong>short-term carbon cycle</strong> that just takes days, months, or years for carbon to cycle through the environment.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Photosynthesis</h3> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"> <figure class="alignright"><img decoding="async" width="290" height="300" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Photosynthesis-290x300.png" alt="Photosynthesis Process" class="wp-image-1736" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Photosynthesis-290x300.png 290w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Photosynthesis.png 407w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px"/></figure></div><p>Plants pull carbon dioxide out of the air through photosynthesis. Even though <a href="https://earthhow.com/earth-atmosphere-composition/">carbon dioxide makes up less than 1% of the atmosphere</a>, it plays a major role in living things.</p> <p>With CO<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O in the atmosphere, <a href="https://earthhow.com/photosynthesis-process/">photosynthesis produces sugars</a> like glucose. This is the plant material that plants synthesize on their own.</p> <p>If you have the right conditions, this process can repeat for centuries. Not only does photosynthesis pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, but it fuels all living things as a source of energy.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Decomposition</h3> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"> <figure class="alignright"><img decoding="async" width="290" height="300" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nutrient-Cycle-290x300.png" alt="Nutrient Cycle" class="wp-image-1824" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nutrient-Cycle-290x300.png 290w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nutrient-Cycle.png 407w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px"/></figure></div><p>By mostly using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, plants can grow. In turn, animals consume food for energy using O<sub>2</sub> and giving off CO<sub>2</sub>. Alternatively, they die, decay, and decompose repeating for millions of years.</p> <p>Decomposition is the process of breaking down plants. Over vast periods of time, layers of sediment build on each other. Because of the pressure and heat from within the Earth’s crust, it generates fossil fuels. Much of this happened during the <a href="https://earthhow.com/coal-formation/">Carboniferous Era</a>.</p> <p>For example, coal, oil, and natural gas (methane) are some of the common fossil fuels. Over the long term, the decomposition of dead matter generates these fossil fuel products.</p> <p>Anaerobic decomposition involves bacteria breaking down organic matter such as glucose into CO<sub>2</sub> and methane (CH<sub>4</sub>). The <a href="https://earthhow.com/nutrient-cycle/">nutrient cycle recycles inorganic and organic material</a> in the soil through the process of decomposition. Then, it goes back again through the same process again.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Respiration</h3> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"> <figure class="alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="290" height="300" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Cellular-Respiration-290x300.png" alt="Cellular Respiration" class="wp-image-1818" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Cellular-Respiration-290x300.png 290w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Cellular-Respiration.png 407w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px"/></figure></div><p>You and I are both made of carbon. We consume plants. But we also breathe in the air, which has carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.</p> <p>Animals rely on plants for food, energy, and oxygen. Our cells require oxygen to break down the food we consume through <a href="https://earthhow.com/cellular-respiration-steps/">cellular respiration</a>.</p> <p>Once consumed, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere because of cell respiration. In turn, this CO<sub>2</sub> produced from respiring cells can be used in photosynthesis again.</p> <p>In other words, plants use solar energy to break apart that same carbon dioxide in the air. Through photosynthesis, it uses that same carbon for plant material in turn releasing oxygen again.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Combustion</h3> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"> <figure class="alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="290" height="300" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Gas-Combustion-290x300.png" alt="Gas Combustion" class="wp-image-1814" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Gas-Combustion-290x300.png 290w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Gas-Combustion.png 407w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px"/></figure></div><p>Our cars use the energy released by burning fossil fuels. And carbon is also a pollutant as carbon dioxide.</p> <p>We extract fossil fuels, combustion involves burning them to release energy. But a by-product of combustion is that it releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. And too much CO2 increases the <a href="https://earthhow.com/greenhouse-effect/">greenhouse effect</a>.</p> <p>Because we deplete our oil reserves by adding CO<sub>2</sub> into the air daily, it affects the carbon cycle with an imbalance of oxygen and carbon. Carbon dioxide is one of the <a href="https://earthhow.com/climate-change/">greenhouse gases contributing to climate change</a>.</p> <p>But there is a limit to how much fossil fuels we can extract. Over millions of years, phytoplankton resting on the ocean surface photosynthesizes and takes in CO<sub>2</sub>.</p> <p>Using sunlight creates a molecule called glucose (C6H12O6) and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Humans discovered these fossil fuels beneath the ocean. We started to drill the ancient plankton, which over millions of years ago, became the oil we use today.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Long-term carbon cycle summary</h3> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"> <figure class="alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="290" height="300" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Short-Term-Carbon-Cycle-0-290x300.png" alt="Short Term Carbon Cycle" class="wp-image-1550" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Short-Term-Carbon-Cycle-0-290x300.png 290w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Short-Term-Carbon-Cycle-0.png 407w" sizes="(max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px"/></figure></div><p>Today, you’ve learned how carbon cycles from the atmosphere and then into plants and living things. But the distinction between the short-term carbon cycle is that this cycle takes millions of years to come full circle.</p> <p>Instead of carbon converting into sugars, carbon is re-purposed into fossil fuels like coal. When <a href="https://earthhow.com/coal-formation/">plants are buried and compacted over millions of years</a>, they become hydrocarbons.</p> <p>When you drive your gas-powered car, you tap into Earth鈥檚 carbon reserves deposited hundreds of million years ago. These fossil fuels are released into the air as carbon dioxide and water vapor.</p> <p>It may stay in the atmosphere for a while, but eventually, plants consume it during photosynthesis. So that same weight from the tank of gasoline <a href="https://earthhow.com/tree-growth/">gets converted into wood or plant material</a> by photosynthesis.</p></div></div><div class="wp-block-group" style="padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Is the Carbon Cycle?</h3> <p>Carbon is a chemical element that is an essential part of all living organisms. It is found in the bodies of plants, animals, and people.</p> <p>Carbon dioxide is constantly being released from burning fossil fuels, plants, and animal respiration. 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class="entry-title"><a href="https://earthhow.com/taxonomic-classification/">Taxonomic Classification: From Domain to Species</a></h6><div class="kt-blocks-post-top-meta"></div></header><div class="entry-content"></div><footer class="kt-blocks-post-footer"><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-left"></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-right"></div></footer></div></div></article><article class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-2633 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-dna-cells-and-organisms category-life-science mv-content-wrapper"><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side"><div class="kadence-post-image"><div class="kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67" style="padding-bottom:66.67%;"><div class="kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic"><a href="https://earthhow.com/human-cells-bacteria-microbiota-body/" aria-label="Read More Human Cells vs Bacteria: Microbiota in Your Body" class="kadence-post-image-inner-wrap"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature-300x225.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature-300x225.png 300w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature-675x507.png 675w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature-425x319.png 425w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature-550x413.png 550w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Microbiome-Feature.png 678w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/></a></div></div></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner"><header><h6 class="entry-title"><a href="https://earthhow.com/human-cells-bacteria-microbiota-body/">Human Cells vs Bacteria: Microbiota in Your Body</a></h6><div class="kt-blocks-post-top-meta"></div></header><div class="entry-content"></div><footer class="kt-blocks-post-footer"><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-left"></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-right"></div></footer></div></div></article><article class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-2654 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-dna-cells-and-organisms category-life-science mv-content-wrapper"><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side"><div class="kadence-post-image"><div class="kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67" style="padding-bottom:66.67%;"><div class="kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic"><a href="https://earthhow.com/cellular-respiration-steps/" aria-label="Read More Cellular Respiration Steps: Energy Conversion in the Body" class="kadence-post-image-inner-wrap"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Cellular-Respiration-300x225.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium 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Conversion in the Body</a></h6><div class="kt-blocks-post-top-meta"></div></header><div class="entry-content"></div><footer class="kt-blocks-post-footer"><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-left"></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-right"></div></footer></div></div></article><article class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-2517 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-life-science category-natural-environment mv-content-wrapper"><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side"><div class="kadence-post-image"><div class="kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67" style="padding-bottom:66.67%;"><div class="kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic"><a href="https://earthhow.com/photosynthesis-process/" aria-label="Read More Photosynthesis Process: Carbon Dioxide to Glucose" class="kadence-post-image-inner-wrap"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-300x225.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Photosynthesis" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-300x225.png 300w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-675x507.png 675w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-425x319.png 425w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-550x413.png 550w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature.png 678w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-326x245.png 326w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-80x60.png 80w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Photosynthesis-Feature-267x200.png 267w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/></a></div></div></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner"><header><h6 class="entry-title"><a href="https://earthhow.com/photosynthesis-process/">Photosynthesis Process: Carbon Dioxide to Glucose</a></h6><div class="kt-blocks-post-top-meta"></div></header><div class="entry-content"></div><footer class="kt-blocks-post-footer"><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-left"></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-right"></div></footer></div></div></article><article class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-999 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-evolution-and-tree-of-life category-life-science tag-feature tag-guide tag-infographic mv-content-wrapper"><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-left kt-feat-image-mobile-align-side"><div class="kadence-post-image"><div class="kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67" style="padding-bottom:66.67%;"><div class="kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic"><a href="https://earthhow.com/human-evolution-timeline/" aria-label="Read More Human Evolution: A Timeline of Early Hominids [Infographic]" class="kadence-post-image-inner-wrap"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-300x225.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Human Evolution" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-300x225.png 300w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-675x507.png 675w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-425x319.png 425w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-550x413.png 550w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution.png 678w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-326x245.png 326w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-80x60.png 80w, https://earthhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Human-Evolution-267x200.png 267w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"/></a></div></div></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner"><header><h6 class="entry-title"><a href="https://earthhow.com/human-evolution-timeline/">Human Evolution: A Timeline of Early Hominids [Infographic]</a></h6><div class="kt-blocks-post-top-meta"></div></header><div class="entry-content"></div><footer class="kt-blocks-post-footer"><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-left"></div><div class="kt-blocks-post-footer-right"></div></footer></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></article> <div id="comments" class="comments-area"> <h2 class="comments-title">37 Comments</h2> <ol class="comment-list"> <li id="comment-30870" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-30870" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Russell Shelton</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-30870"><time datetime="2024-03-20T01:30:25-06:00">March 20, 2024 at 1:30 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>CO or carbon Monoxide (smog) is the result of burning fossil fuels. What happens when a human or animal are sealed in a room of CO ? Well, death occurs. Does this happen so rapidly with CO2 ? How have these two become so confused and combined?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-25068" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-25068" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Johnathan</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-25068"><time datetime="2023-11-21T12:26:15-06:00">November 21, 2023 at 12:26 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Thanks, this helped me a lot!</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-20801" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-20801" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Laiken</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-20801"><time datetime="2023-04-13T15:27:22-06:00">April 13, 2023 at 3:27 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>It’s part of our DNA and protein molecules. In fact, it’s the building block of all life on Earth. The carbon cycle is Mother Nature’s way of reusing and spreading the carbon around, releasing it naturally over time. Dead organisms decompose, eventually becoming fossil fuels such as oil and gas trapped underground. It helps to regulate Earth’s temperature. It makes all living life possible. It is a key element in the food that sustains us. It provides a key source of the energy that fuels our economy. Carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants.<br /> Carbon moves from plants to animals.<br /> Carbon moves from plants and animals to soils.<br /> Carbon moves from living things to the atmosphere.<br /> Carbon moves from fossil fuels to the atmosphere when fuels are burned.<br /> Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the oceans.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-20799" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-20799" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Laiken</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-20799"><time datetime="2023-04-13T14:59:32-06:00">April 13, 2023 at 2:59 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Carbon fixation is the process by which inorganic carbon from the atmosphere is assimilated into living organisms and converted into organic compounds. These compounds are used to store chemical energy. It is an essential process for the sustainability of life.</p> <p>Carbon fixation is the process of attaching an inorganic carbon to an organic compound and is an important part of photosynthesis. Carbon fixation is the first step of the Calvin cycle. It involves the enzyme RuBisCO ”fixing” CO2 to RuBP, producing two molecules of 3-PGA.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-20798" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-20798" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Laiken</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-20798"><time datetime="2023-04-13T14:55:20-06:00">April 13, 2023 at 2:55 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Photosynthesis is the process through which plants “fix” carbon from gaseous carbon dioxide to produce sugar. Carbon moves from the atmosphere to plants.<br /> Carbon moves from plants to animals.<br /> Carbon moves from plants and animals to soils.<br /> Carbon moves from living things to the atmosphere.<br /> Carbon moves from fossil fuels to the atmosphere when fuels are burned.<br /> Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the oceans. Carbon is a pattern maker. It can link to itself, forming long, resilient chains called polymers. It can also bond with up to four other atoms because of its electron arrangement. Atoms are arranged as a nucleus surrounded by an electron cloud, with electrons zinging around at different distances from the nucleus.<br /> Photosynthesis, burning of fossil fuel, respiration is involved in the carbon cycle, transpiration is not involved in the carbon cycle. Carbon compounds regulate the Earth’s temperature, make up the food that sustains us, and provide energy that fuels our global economy.<br /> It helps to regulate Earth’s temperature. It makes all living life possible. It is a key element in the food that sustains us. It provides a key source of the energy that fuels our economy. Photosynthesis, Decomposition, Respiration and Combustion. Carbon cycles from the atmosphere into plants and living things.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-20702" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-20702" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">manny</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-20702"><time datetime="2023-04-05T13:48:55-06:00">April 5, 2023 at 1:48 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>What about volcanic activity going into the atmosphere?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-20399" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-20399" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Dakota Tuttle</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-20399"><time datetime="2023-03-10T08:37:04-06:00">March 10, 2023 at 8:37 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Thanks, this helped me a lot</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-17549" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-17549" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Danielle</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-17549"><time datetime="2022-10-20T17:41:15-06:00">October 20, 2022 at 5:41 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>So exactly, how much Carbon is being transferred per year?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-15683" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-15683" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Tonny</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-15683"><time datetime="2022-08-06T05:49:02-06:00">August 6, 2022 at 5:49 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>A very well and precise explanation.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-14084" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-14084" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Shell</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-14084"><time datetime="2022-05-06T12:54:04-06:00">May 6, 2022 at 12:54 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Carbon dioxide isn’t a pollutant. It’s plant food. Plants and trees don’t just store carbon dioxide. They absorb carbon dioxide, and then convert it into oxygen for us to breathe. That absorption and conversion is photosynthesis.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-11967" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-11967" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Boni Bontosh</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-11967"><time datetime="2022-03-02T02:38:17-06:00">March 2, 2022 at 2:38 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Well explained</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-10895" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-10895" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Giles Jotty</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-10895"><time datetime="2022-01-23T05:15:27-06:00">January 23, 2022 at 5:15 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Really helpful article, Thanks to whoever wrote this. It helped me a lot</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-10030" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-10030" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Chukwu fidelis</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-10030"><time datetime="2021-11-22T13:23:12-06:00">November 22, 2021 at 1:23 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>This is nice</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-9875" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-9875" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Ghans</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-9875"><time datetime="2021-11-07T05:39:27-06:00">November 7, 2021 at 5:39 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Can someone explain carbon fixization?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-9598" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-9598" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Freddo</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-9598"><time datetime="2021-10-10T04:12:45-06:00">October 10, 2021 at 4:12 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>The carbon cycle is, and always has been, fundamental to Life on Earth – but only since the dawn of that life – before that it was inconsequential. Should not the effect of electricity, in the form of Lightning, be considered in the carbon cycle?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-8640" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-8640" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Samuel Kawunde</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-8640"><time datetime="2021-07-17T05:12:52-06:00">July 17, 2021 at 5:12 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Nice explanation</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-8637" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-8637" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Dubu Luv</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-8637"><time datetime="2021-07-16T00:05:12-06:00">July 16, 2021 at 12:05 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Thank you so much for such a clear and concise explanation with nice diagrams. You have helped me understand the complex carbon cycle. Thank you!</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-8429" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-8429" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Mubarak ali kolwahi</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-8429"><time datetime="2021-06-29T12:34:49-06:00">June 29, 2021 at 12:34 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Well defined briefly that helped me for making my assignment</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-8243" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-8243" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Sekinnah</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-8243"><time datetime="2021-06-14T18:32:37-06:00">June 14, 2021 at 6:32 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Thanks for helping me this is enough for my assignment thanks a lot.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-8157" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-8157" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Gabe</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-8157"><time datetime="2021-05-18T13:18:16-06:00">May 18, 2021 at 1:18 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Hello! My science teacher used this.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-7805" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-7805" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Micheal Clark</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-7805"><time datetime="2021-04-11T03:05:15-06:00">April 11, 2021 at 3:05 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Carbon facts in trillions of tons:<br /> Atmosphere. 0.85 TT. .0008%<br /> Plants and Soil. 2.00. TT. .0020%<br /> Fossil Fuels. 10.00. TT. .0100%<br /> Oceans. 38.00. TT .0380%<br /> Carbonaceous Rocks. 100,000. TT. 99.9490%<br /> There is currently almost 4 times more CO2 dissolved</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-7801" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-7801" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Ana Jones</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-7801"><time datetime="2021-04-01T13:41:05-06:00">April 1, 2021 at 1:41 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>What even about the volcanic activity that’s even going into our atmosphere?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-7108" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-7108" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Gift</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-7108"><time datetime="2021-01-28T11:59:14-06:00">January 28, 2021 at 11:59 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Leaving a comment…thanks for explaining it very well</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-5709" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-5709" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Emily</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-5709"><time datetime="2020-10-21T12:02:58-06:00">October 21, 2020 at 12:02 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Its amazing that everything on Earth is connected to the sun. The sun takes an integral role in the photosynthesis stage of the Carbon Cycle.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2847" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2847" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Kay-ann Gordon</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2847"><time datetime="2020-02-15T14:53:56-06:00">February 15, 2020 at 2:53 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Can someone explain how respiration, combustion and decomposition is involved in the carbon cycle?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2514" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2514" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Stephen Mann</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2514"><time datetime="2019-12-18T06:53:57-06:00">December 18, 2019 at 6:53 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/U-9UlF8hkhs" rel="nofollow ugc">https://youtu.be/U-9UlF8hkhs</a></p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2195" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2195" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Brad Follett</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2195"><time datetime="2019-10-26T17:51:44-06:00">October 26, 2019 at 5:51 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Carbon facts in trillions of tons:<br /> Atmosphere. 0.85 TT. .0008%<br /> Plants and Soil. 2.00. TT. .0020%<br /> Fossil Fuels. 10.00. TT. .0100%<br /> Oceans. 38.00. TT .0380%<br /> Carbonaceous Rocks. 100,000. TT. 99.9490%<br /> There is currently almost 4 times more CO2 dissolved in the oceans than there is in all fossil found on earth. Think about it.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2194" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2194" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Brad Follett</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2194"><time datetime="2019-10-26T17:23:25-06:00">October 26, 2019 at 5:23 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Sorry, but you people missed it by a mile. 99.95% of all carbon on earth has been absorbed by the oceans and is locked up in carbonaceous rock, mountains of it. A further .01% is locked up in fossil fuels bringing the total to 99.96% of all CO2 on earth LOCKED AWAY. The oceans currently have about .038% of the remainder absorbed and that leaves about .002% left for the atmosphere and land plants. Think about it, the oceans are still absorbing carbon and building reefs and locking more and more of carbon up into carbonaceous rocks. Yes, volcanoes are returning some CO2 to the cycle naturally but how did the world get to the 99.96% locked away before man stepped in with burning and cement production. I think maybe you people should be rewriting your thoughts on the carbon cycle and extinction theories.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2153" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2153" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">PrestonPlayz</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2153"><time datetime="2019-10-20T04:20:02-06:00">October 20, 2019 at 4:20 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>The carbon cycle is awesome, thanks for helping me! This was so useful for my asssignment!</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2152" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2152" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Daniel</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2152"><time datetime="2019-10-20T04:15:16-06:00">October 20, 2019 at 4:15 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Where does “oxygen in daytime” and “carbon dioxide in nighttime” come into play?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-2116" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-2116" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Mariya</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-2116"><time datetime="2019-10-13T07:50:07-06:00">October 13, 2019 at 7:50 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Does anyone know how freeze thaw (on rocks) affects combustion?<br /> I really need an answer for my essay in A-level geography.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-1814" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-1814" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Joy</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-1814"><time datetime="2019-07-31T06:03:56-06:00">July 31, 2019 at 6:03 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Thx for giving a good answer…… I searched everywhere but there was no response till I reached here. Thx a lot.</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-889" class="comment byuser comment-author-earthhow bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-889" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">earthhow</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-889"><time datetime="2019-01-28T04:23:28-06:00">January 28, 2019 at 4:23 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Examples of carbon sinks = Oceans and forests are the biggest<br /> Examples of carbon sources = Gasoline vehicles and forest fires</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-888" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-888" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Alejandra Manzanedo</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-888"><time datetime="2019-01-26T17:16:31-06:00">January 26, 2019 at 5:16 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>What is a source and sink of carbon dioxide in the cycle?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-853" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-853" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Sophie</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-853"><time datetime="2019-01-15T10:29:37-06:00">January 15, 2019 at 10:29 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>When does sugar broken down and converted to carbon dioxide come into play here?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-736" class="comment odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-736" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Makayla</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-736"><time datetime="2018-12-12T16:22:19-06:00">December 12, 2018 at 4:22 pm</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>What about volcanic activity going into the atmosphere?</p></div></article> </li> <li id="comment-716" class="comment even thread-even depth-1"> <article id="div-comment-716" class="comment-body"> <footer class="comment-meta"> <div class="comment-author vcard"> <b class="fn">Mark</b> <span class="says">says:</span></div><div class="comment-metadata"> <a href="https://earthhow.com/carbon-cycle/#comment-716"><time datetime="2018-12-09T08:37:46-06:00">December 9, 2018 at 8:37 am</time></a></div></footer> <div class="comment-content"> <p>Fossil fuels. Its funny how modern day environmentalists push a narrative invented by the OOG’s(original oil gangsters).</p></div></article> </li> </ol> <div id="respond" class="comment-respond"> <h3 id="reply-title" class="comment-reply-title">Leave a Reply</h3><form action="https://earthhow.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form" novalidate><p class="comment-notes"><span id="email-notes">Your email address will not be published.</span> <span class="required-field-message">Required fields are marked <span class="required">*</span></span></p><p class="comment-form-comment comment-form-float-label"><textarea autocomplete="new-password" id="i477054932" name="i477054932" placeholder="Leave a comment..." cols="45" rows="8" maxlength="65525" aria-required="true" required="required"></textarea><textarea id="comment" aria-label="hp-comment" aria-hidden="true" name="comment" autocomplete="new-password" style="padding:0 !important;clip:rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px) 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