Which of the following refers to the three reservoirs of the carbon cycle?

The correct answer identifies the three major reservoirs in the carbon cycle as rocks, oceans, and the atmosphere. Understanding these reservoirs is crucial in grasping how carbon is stored and circulated within the Earth's systems.

Rocks, specifically sedimentary rocks such as limestone, represent a long-term storage form of carbon. Carbon is sequestered in these geological formations over millions of years. When rocks undergo weathering, carbon can be released back into the carbon cycle.

The oceans serve as a significant reservoir of carbon dioxide. They absorb large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and play a vital role in regulating environmental carbon levels. The oceans not only act as a carbon sink but also facilitate biological processes that can contribute to carbon cycling in the form of marine life.

The atmosphere is a critical reservoir where carbon exists primarily in the form of carbon dioxide and methane. It is through the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere and other reservoirs like plants, oceans, and rocks that the carbon cycle operates, affecting global climate and ecosystems.

The other options highlight components that are indeed involved in the carbon cycle but do not accurately represent the major long-term reservoirs responsible for carbon storage in the cycle. Recognizing the roles of rocks, oceans, and atmosphere is fundamental to understanding carbon management and its implications