A static budget would show that the largest amount of carbon is contained in the deepr layers of the geosphere (fossil fuels and carbonate sediment). The dynamic budget would show that it is stored there, while all day to day exchange of carbon between the compartments is active between the biosphere, the atmosphere and the upper ocean and continental layer.

The uptake and burning of fossil fuels in power stations and cars establishes a link between the slow and fast cycles and leads to an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and in the ocean and a reduction in the geosphere.