How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle?
Fossils fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them, returns carbon into the soil
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere
Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere
Fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle by releasing carbon into the atmosphere when they are burned. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. These plants and animals stored carbon from the atmosphere during their lives and, over geological time, were transformed into fossil fuels.
When fossil fuels are burned for energy, such as in power plants, vehicles, or industries, the carbon stored in them is released back into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This combustion process increases the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.