gen-state-the-carbon-cycle-in-rocks-precisely-and-explain-why-it-c304

State the carbon cycle in rocks precisely and explain why it matters in 2-3 sentences.

# The Carbon Cycle in Rocks **The Process:** Carbon moves into rocks when atmospheric CO₂ dissolves in rain, weathers silicate minerals, and washes into oceans where organisms form carbonate shells that become sedimentary rock (limestone). This carbon returns to the atmosphere through volcanic outgassing when tectonic processes subduct carbonate rocks into Earth's mantle, where heat releases CO₂. **Why It Matters:** This geological carbon cycle regulates Earth's climate over millions of years by acting as a planetary thermostat—higher temperatures accelerate weathering, removing more CO₂ and cooling the planet. Without this cycle, Earth would likely be uninhabitable, either frozen solid or catastrophically overheated.