cycling of matter Flashcards
why is cycling of matter important?
because there are only limited amount of resources available on Earth, they must be recycled to ensure sustanability
what are earth’s four spheres
- lithosphere
- hydrosphere
- atmosphere
- biosphere
what is the lithosphere?
the hard part of earth’s surface
what is the hydrosphere?
all the water found on earth
what is the atmosphere?
the layer of gases above earth’s surface
what is the biosphere?
the regions of earth where living organisms exist
what are four main cycles?
- water
- carbon
- nitrogen
- phosphorus
what is transpiration?
evaporation of water from planet
percolation
gravity pulls groundwater through soil
what is run-off?
water moves from the surface into nearby streams or river
what is photosynthesis (in the carbon cycle)?
converts carbon dioxide into sugar
what is cellular respiration (in the carbon cycle)?
converting sugar into carbon dioxide
what is decomposition (in the carbon cycle)?
break down components
what is extraction (in the carbon cycle)?
mining for fossil fuel
what two human activities have impacts on the carbon cycle?
- burning fossil fuels
- reducing forest area
