Transcript -- How carbon is returned to the atmosphere through decomposition of organic matter

Ecosystems: the carbon cycle - for iPad/Mac/PC

Transcript -- Recycling carbon

Ecosystems: the carbon cycle

Transcript -- A short introduction to this album

Transcript -- Ecosystems: the carbon cycle

The influence of differing levels of light, water, CO2 and nutrients on plant photosynthesis around the world

How plants make food

Transcript -- The influence of differing levels of light, water, CO2 and nutrients on plant photosynthesis around the world

Transcript -- How plants make food

How carbon is returned to the atmosphere through decomposition of organic matter

Recycling carbon

Why peatbogs are crucial carbon containers, and how atmospheric methane is measured

The peatbog problem

Transcript -- Why peatbogs are crucial carbon containers, and how atmospheric methane is measured

Transcript -- The peatbog problem

Education

What is photosynthesis, and why does Sir David Attenborough describe it as 'the very basis of life?'. This album explains how the balance of sunlight, water and nutrients are fundamental to the process and how this balance acts to regulate individual ecosystems.  But photosynthesis is only part of the carbon cycle. How is carbon returned to the atmosphere, how do carbon containing gases influence the Earth's climate, and what role do peat bogs play in tackling global warming? This material forms part of The Open University course S396 Ecosystems.