Biogeochemical Cycles All Matter is recycled There are four cycles we will discuss: Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle Phosphorus Cycle Water/Hydrologic Cycle

Biogeochemical Cycles Life Earth Atoms, Elements, and Compounds Nitrogen, Carbon, Phosphorus, and Water Cycle all demonstrate how elements and compounds recycle through the Earth in order to support life.

Carbon Cycle

Carbon Cycle Carbon exists as CO2 in the atmosphere Photosynthesis uses CO2 to form sugar Returns to the atmosphere by Cellular Respiration Decay Fossil Fuels burning

Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle 78% of air is N in a nonusable form Usable formed in soil by: Bacteria doing nitrogen fixation Lightening doing atmospheric fixation Plants use nitrates and ammonium in growth Herbivores consume plants and turn N plant proteins into N animal proteins Denitrifying bacteria return N to the atmosphere

Phosphorus Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle 2 cycles: short term and long term Short term: phosphorus in soil->plants-> herbivores-> decay into soil Long term: phosphates washed out to sea and become incorporated into sediment when exposed they reenter the cycle

Water/Hydrologic Cycle

Water/Hydrologic Cycle Evaporation: liquid to gas Transpiration: evaporation of water on plant leaves Condensation: gas to liquid Precipitation: rain