There are two main processes in the natural carbon cycle: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis involves producers converting inorganic carbon like CO2 into organic compounds like glucose. Cellular respiration returns carbon back to the atmosphere as CO2. Some CO2 dissolves in the ocean and some is used by marine organisms through photosynthesis. When these organisms die, their shells and coral fall to the ocean floor forming carbonate sediments over long periods. These sediments may later emerge as dry land or mountains made of limestone.