<P> Most of the earth 's carbon is stored inertly in the earth 's lithosphere . Much of the carbon stored in the earth 's mantle was stored there when the earth formed . Some of it was deposited in the form of organic carbon from the biosphere . Of the carbon stored in the geosphere , about 80 % is limestone and its derivatives , which form from the sedimentation of calcium carbonate stored in the shells of marine organisms . The remaining 20 % is stored as kerogens formed through the sedimentation and burial of terrestrial organisms under high heat and pressure . Organic carbon stored in the geosphere can remain there for millions of years . </P>
<P> Most of the earth 's carbon is stored inertly in the earth 's lithosphere . Much of the carbon stored in the earth 's mantle was stored there when the earth formed . Some of it was deposited in the form of organic carbon from the biosphere . Of the carbon stored in the geosphere , about 80 % is limestone and its derivatives , which form from the sedimentation of calcium carbonate stored in the shells of marine organisms . The remaining 20 % is stored as kerogens formed through the sedimentation and burial of terrestrial organisms under high heat and pressure . Organic carbon stored in the geosphere can remain there for millions of years . </P>
where is most of the carbon on earth located
where is most of the carbon on earth located
stored inertly in the earth 's lithosphere
stored inertly in the earth 's lithosphere