Sulphur cycle Flashcards
1
Q
Sources of sulphur
A
- volcanos release sulphur dioxide
- oceans as sea spray
- hydrogen sulphide by some bacteria
- bring of fossil fuels and carbon release sulphur dioxide
2
Q
Where are emissions mostly from?
A
Heavy industry in UK, US and China
3
Q
What can happen to sulphur dioxide?
A
Combines with O2 and water to form sulphuric acid (acid rain)
4
Q
What can sulphur acid (acid rain do)
A
- Lowers PH in soils, lakes
- Damage organisms and reduce productivity of plants
5
Q
Why is sulphur useful?
A
- Nutrient taken up by plants then passed when eaten by animal (waste products returned to soil)
- Sulphur needed as component of some amino acids
6
Q
What are the 3 mineral sulphur exits in?
A
Pyrite, gypsum, anhydrite
7
Q
Biggest reservoirs of sulphur
A
- Lithosphere
- Ocean water
- Ocean sediments
8
Q
What does sulphur having a short reduce time (except when in rocks) mean?
A
Effects are localised (not global)
