The Basis:
Most of you have heard of the Carbon Cycle. It goes through photosynthesis in plants, Respiration in animals as well as plants, decaying organisms create fossil fuels, and probably the worst part of the cycle is the emissions from transportation and factories. In Acadia National park all of this occurs, and sadly so does the pollution part. Below is a simple diagram of what the normal Carbon Cycle would consist of.
Photosynthesis:
Acadia goes through each one of these steps. At the beginning of the Carbon Cycle there is always the sun, and luckily the sun hasn't been blocked out in Acadia National park due to all of the air pollution. The sun allows for plants, such as the Water Lilly or The Reed Canary Grass to go through photosynthesis. During photosynthesis the plants use the Carbon to create glucose, and oxygen. Then both Plants and Animals go through Respiration.
Respiration:
As an example I am going to be using the Red Fox which is native to Acadia National park. The Red Fox would inhale the oxygen produced by the plants. The Red Fox then uses some the Carbohydrates it has gathered to create energy to do everyday activities, but the byproducts are water and Carbon Dioxide. The Red Fox then exhales the Carbon Dioxide releasing it back into the atmosphere.
Decaying Organisms:
Another step in the Carbon Cycle is the Decaying organisms. In Acadia when both Red Foxes and Water Lilies die off they are decomposed in the ground resulting in the creation of fossil fuels and deposits of Carbon Dioxide in the Earth's crust. This can either be taken into plants through the roots, or the fossil fuels can be used in factories or cars.
Carbon Emissions:
This is the worst step for the park. Like it is stated before, both factories, and transportation such as cars, or buses use the fossil fuels created by the decayed organisms. While it does power most of our everyday lives it also destroys the environment. When the cars and factories use these fossil fuels they also produce thousands of pounds of Carbon Dioxide. A car alone produces 20 pounds of Carbon Dioxide per gallon of gas. This does put Carbon Dioxide back into the atmosphere, but is also one of the main causes of Global Warming. Even if you don't believe that Global Warming isn't real, these Carbon emissions have caused the people of Maine to have problems such as, stinging of the eyes and mouth in healthy people, and it worsens the health problems of children, the elderly and those with serious health problems.