The flux of the Carbon Dioxide between the Oceans, terrestrial biosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere is called the Carbon Cycle. The Human activities have added to new flux of CO2 in the atmosphere and out of which a part is absorbed by the plants while a part is taken by the Oceans. The Carbon Cycle is of two types viz. Organic and Inorganic carbon cycle. The Carbon Cycle as described for the first time by Joseph Priestley and Antoine Lavoisier is the interchange of CO2 in the following:
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Atmosphere
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Terrestrial biosphere, including fresh water systems and soil carbon.
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The oceans, including dissolved inorganic carbon and living and non-living marine biota,
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The sediments including fossil fuels.
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The Earth's interior, carbon from the Earth's mantle and crust is released to the atmosphere and hydrosphere by volcanoes and geothermal systems.