Biogeochemical Cycling + Nutrition

Question 1

What is biogeochemical cycling?

Answer 1

the cycling/transfer of nutrients (chemical elements) between different parts of the biosphere and geosphere

includes 3 different scales:
- geochemical
- biogeochemical
- biochemical

Question 2

Is earth an open or closed system?

Answer 2

closed! elements are continually cycled

Question 3

Describe geochemical cycling

Answer 3

typically global scale
long time scale

1. gaseous (C, H, O, N, S)
2. lithosphere/hydrosphere (P)
3. biological (C)

Question 4

What scale does biogeochemical cycling occur?

Answer 4

ecosystem level

all biota and abiotic features

macronutrients and micronutrients

Question 5

What are the macronutrients required for life?

Answer 5

H C N O P K S Mg Ca

Question 6

What are the micronutrients required for life?

Answer 6

Cl Mo B Mn Fe Zn Cu