Cycles: Matter changes form and moves between different parts of our earth system in a cycle, or repeated pattern. Energy from the sun helps drive these cycles.
A cycle is when matter changes form and moves between different parts of our earth system in a repeated pattern. All matter is constantly moving in repeated patterns through the earth system. Some of these cycles are completed in a short time, while some take millions of years. The climate change problem centers around the carbon cycle. Carbon cycles through all living things, air, water, and even some rocks. The carbon cycle stays in balance by separating carbon between these different storage areas and moving them around equally. When cycles are balanced, matter doesn’t build up in one part of the earth system because it is cycled out just as quickly as it is put in. When we change one part of a cycle, that can put the whole cycle out of balance. And even the smallest imbalance in one cycle can have an impact on the entire system.