Biogeochemical Cycles Whats a biogeochemical cycle n n
Biogeochemical Cycles
What’s a biogeochemical cycle? n n n Bio – living Geo – rock A biogeochemical cycle is the path of a chemical that moves through living and nonliving parts of the environment.
Water Cycle Definitions n n n Condensation – Water vapor in the air changes into a liquid. Evaporation – Liquid water changes into water vapor in the air. Precipitation – Liquid water in the air falls to the ground.
Water Cycle Definitions n n Runoff – Liquid water from precipitation flows across the ground. Transpiration – Plants take up liquid water from the ground and release it as water vapor.
Water Cycle
Carbon Cycle n n Photosynthesis – Carbon dioxide in the air is captured and stored as sugar in plants. Intake by Animals – Animals get carbon in the form of sugar by eating plants or other organisms.
Carbon Cycle n n Respiration – Animals and plants convert sugar to carbon dioxide and release it into the environment. Waste and Decay – Carbon stored in plants and animals is released when the organisms die as carbon dioxide
Carbon Cycle n n Fossil Fuel Formation – Some carbon from dead organisms is transformed to oil deposits over millions of years. Burning of Fossil Fuels – Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when oil or gasoline products are burned.
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle n n n Nitrogen is found in N 2 form in the atmosphere. Nitrogen Fixation – N 2 is transformed to NH 4 by lightning. Ammonification – Bacteria in the roots of plants convert N 2 to NH 4.
n n n Nitrogen Cycle Nitrification – Bacteria in the soil convert NH 4 to NO 3. Uptake by Plants – Plants take in NO 3 to use for growth. Consumption by Animals – Proteins from plants give animals the nitrogen needed for life.
Nitrogen Cycle n n Breakdown of Wastes and Decay – Waste products and dead organisms contain NH 4 which is released into the soil. Denitrification – Bacteria in the soil convert NO 3 into N 2 which returns to the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorous Cycle n n Erosion of Rock – Phosphorous is stored in rock. When the rock is broken down, the phosphorous is released into the soil. Uptake by Plants – Phosphorous in the soil is taken in through the roots of plants.
Phosphorous Cycle n n n Consumption by Animals – Animals get phosphorous by eating plants and other animals. Waste from Animals – Extra phosphorus is gotten rid of in wastes from animals. Decay of Plants and Animals – When plants and animals die, phosphorous is released.
Phosphorous Cycle n n n Runoff into Ocean – Water carries phosphorous from rocks and soil into the ocean. Marine Sediment – Phosphorous settles at the bottom of the ocean and over long periods of time forms rocks. Uplift of Rock – Rocks on the ocean floor can be moved up as parts of mountains.
Limiting Nutrient n A scarce or slowly cycling mineral that limits the growth of plants in an area. Oceans: Nitrogen n Fresh Water: Phosphorous n
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