Hydrologic, carbon-oxygen, and nitrogen cycle Flashcards
Matter
-anything that has mass and occupies space.
-cannot be created nor destroyed.
-must be recycled on Earth!
Biogeochemical
the pathways matter is able to move through biosphere to be recycled.
They are made up of various biological, geological, and chemical processes (both natural and anthropogenic)
cohesive
water molecules stick to each other
adhesive
water molecules stick to other things
percolation
the movement of water through a porous material (eg. soil) to enter as ground water
Causes of Acid Rain (Deposition)
Emissions from burning fossil fuels in vehicles
Emissions from factories
Wet Deposition
sulfur and nitrogen compounds combine with water droplets in atmosphere to form acidic compounds; fall as acidic precipitation
Dry Deposition
sulfur and nitrogen compounds settle as dry compounds and form acids when contact water (eg. in respiratory tract, on surface of water)
Effects of Acid
- Corrison
- damage lung / skin
- trees defoliated and die
Preventing Acid Deposition
-Scrubbers in smokestacks to remove sulfur compound emissions
-Remove sulfur compounds from coal
Polar molecule
molecules that have a dipole or an uneven distribution of charge across their geometry resulting in one side being positive and the other side negative. ex) Water (H2O), Ammonia (NH3), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
Carbon-Oxygen Cycle
Mainly involves the circulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) between organisms and the atmosphere
Where in the biosphere is carbon found? (Biotic)
-Key element in living organisms (organic)
-Trapped in plants in photosynthesis (glucose)
-Released by respiration (CO2)
Fast cycle
Decay and Assimilation, Decomposers break down dead organisms and release phosphates (PO43-) into the soil.
Producers can absorb phosphates via root uptake and assimilation can occur. The plant is able to use the phosphates to make their own proteins, DNA, etc.
Slow Cycle
Sedimentation and Erosion:
Rocks are a major sink (storage) for phosphorus.
Plate tectonics causes land masses to rise (geologic uplifting), exposing ancient rock. The phosphorus can then be released slowly from weathering and erosion processes.
Weathering of phosphate can be carried by water into bodies of water. Phosphates that are in the soil can leach into water.
These phosphates can sink in the water (sedimentation) and over time will become new rocks to start the slow process again.
