Matter Cycling Flashcards
what are nutrient cycles?
- sun supplies light/ heat energy to earth
- matter needs to be constantly recycled
- nutrient cycles: matter needs to be constantly recycled
what are the two main components of nutrient cycles?
- a biological component cycles through an organism
- a geochemical component that cycles through rock, water and atmosphere
what are the three main cycles?
- carbon cycle
- water cycle
- nitrogen cycle
what is the carbon cycle
- doesn’t require decomposers but uses them
- help circulate matter
what is Atmospheric carbon?
fixed in solid/ liquid state through process of photosynthesis
what is chemical carbon?
released back into the atmosphere via cellular respiration
- carbon makes up most of organisms body
- after death this carbon be decomposed but not broken down → causes fossil fuels to form know as sinks
what is the oceans impact on carbon cycle?
- increase ocean temp → not able to hold as much carbon.
- higher ocean temperatures lead to more atmospheric carbon
what is the water cycle
The water cycleshows the continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere. It is a complex system that includes many different processes. Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds, and precipitates back to earth in the form of rain and snow.
what is the Nitrogen cycle?
The nitrogen cycle isa repeating cycle of processes during which nitrogen moves through both living and non-living things: the atmosphere, soil, water, plants, animals and bacteria. In order to move through the different parts of the cycle, nitrogen must change forms.
what is the phosphorus cycle?
The Phosphorus Cycle isthebiogeochemical cyclethat describes the transformation and translocation of phosphorus in soil, water, and living and dead organic material.
