The carbon cycle encompasses which of the following?

The carbon cycle encompasses the movement of carbon through various components of the Earth system, including living organisms, the atmosphere, the oceans, and the geological formations. In this cycle, carbon exists in multiple forms, such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, organic matter in living organisms, and carbonate minerals in geological structures.

Through processes like respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition, and geological activity, carbon is continually exchanged between these different reservoirs. For instance, plants take in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and convert it into organic compounds, which are then consumed by animals. When organisms respire or decompose, carbon is released back into the atmosphere or soil. This cyclical movement is vital for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and regulating Earth's climate.

The other options mention processes or cycles that are related to other elements or compounds but do not adequately encompass the carbon cycle. The cycle of water deals specifically with hydrological processes, the transformation of nitrogen relates to the nitrogen cycle, and the production of glucose, while linked to carbon through photosynthesis, does not capture the full scope of how carbon moves through various parts of the Earth system.