Question

Can carbon within the ocean get trapped into rocks and things and be released through the burning of fossil fuels?

I'm trying to explain how carbon is cycled between the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Answer 1

Hmm, I'm not sure I would describe it like that - but sort-of.

Basically the carbon in the ocean (ie. from dead organisms) settles on the ocean floor, given lots of time and pressure it forms oil. Which is then used as a fossil fuel. However the carbons' main route from the atmosphere into the ocean - in terms of fossil fuels - is via photosynthesis where carbon is fixed from the atmosphere into aquatic plant life which is then eaten.

I gave a pretty bad definition of how oil is formed so I suggest you have a read of this to get a better idea of it :P

http://f03.classes.colgate.edu/fsem037-oil/formation_of_oil.htm

(gosh, I had no idea how hard it would be to find an internet resource on this subject.. how unexpected! - i'll see if I can find you a more solid source)

Answer 2

You also can't forget how carbon, in a gaseous form, becomes dissolved in water: http://harvardmagazine.com/2002/11/the-ocean-carbon-cycle.html

It is probably a good idea for you to look up carbon cycling/ the carbon cycle :)