What process describes the cycling of carbon compounds between the abiotic and biotic environments?

The cycling of carbon compounds between the abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) environments is best described by the carbon cycle. This cycle encompasses all the processes through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, and oceans. It includes key processes such as photosynthesis, where plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it into organic compounds, and respiration, where organisms release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

The carbon cycle further includes processes like decomposition, where the breakdown of organic matter returns carbon to the soil, and fossilization, which can sequester carbon in geological formations over long periods. It illustrates the dynamic nature of carbon as it moves through different forms and reservoirs, highlighting its importance in ecosystems and climate regulation.

While photosynthesis is a crucial part of the cycle, it alone does not encompass all interactions between biotic and abiotic systems. The term "carbon footprint" typically refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, and “carbon sequestration” specifically refers to the long-term storage of carbon in sinks such as forests or ocean sediments, not the entire cycling process. Therefore, the carbon cycle is the most comprehensive term that captures the interconnectedness of these processes.