The Carbon Cycle (detailed) — free printable diagram

About this illustration

A detailed, labelled diagram of the Carbon Cycle showing six numbered processes: (1) Photosynthesis – plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, indicated by a green downward arrow to trees; (2) Respiration – animals and plants release CO₂, shown by orange upward arrows from a deer and a plant to the atmosphere cloud; (3) Decomposition – dead organisms release CO₂ to soil, with a purple downward arrow from the atmosphere to a log/mushroom scene leading underground to fossil fuels; (4) Combustion – factories and cars burn fossil fuels releasing CO₂, shown by a red arrow up to the atmosphere; (5) Ocean absorption – oceans absorb CO₂, shown by a blue arrow from the atmosphere into the ocean; (6) Fossil fuels – coal, oil, and natural gas store carbon underground. The atmosphere is depicted as a cloud labelled 'ATMOSPHERE CO₂' with illustrated CO₂ molecules. An underwater scene shows fish, seaweed, and shells.

How to use

1. 1Right-click the image and choose “Save image as”, or use the download button.
2. 2Use it in your classroom worksheets, slides or printables — free under CC BY-NC 4.0.
3. 3Attribute as “Image by Kuraplan” or link back to kuraplan.com. Not for commercial resale.