The Biogeochemical Cycles

The Biogeochemical Cycles

1. Water Cycle

   • PROCESS
     • 1. Evaporation
     • 2. Condensation
     • 3. Precipitation
   • When water is precipitated by the sun it can precipitate in the form of: rain, hail or snow depending on where you are.
   • percolation: is the passage of water slowly in a porous material to create underground currents
   • Infiltration is the process by which water can enter the subsoil.
   • Evapotranspiration is the process in which it ranges from evaporation intercepted by vegetation.
   • The hydrosphere is the area on earth where water is stored and moved.
   • During this process, water goes through different physical states: solid, liquid and gas.
   • It is essential to:
     • * The maintenance of life on planet earth; * The variation of the climate and * The level of rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.

2. Nitrogen cycle

   • Nitrogen gas most abundant on earth.
   • Return to the atmosphere in 3 steps.
     • Ammonification: Decomposition of animal and plant tissues killed by bacteria.
     • Nitrification: ammonia and ammonia are transformed into nitrites. The nitrites are then transformed into nitrates by the action of nitrifying bacteria.
     • Assimilation: nitrates are absorbed by the roots. Amino acids are part of the proteins that are then consumed by herbivorous animals and other vegetable consumers. Denitrifying bacteria in the soil break down nitrates releasing nitrogen gas into the atmosphere.
   • Human activities that release oxygen.
     • * The combustion of fossil fuels that release different nitrogen oxides. * Due to the use of artificial fertilizers in agriculture.

3. carbon cycle

   • BREATHING: Living things use oxygen to release energy and it comes back as carbon dioxide.
   • PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Plants during the day use the energy of the sun to convert the carbon that is in the atmosphere in more water into carbohydrate and oxygen.
   • Processes where carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, organic matter, the ocean, and the earth's crust.
   • It has two biological and geological cycles.
   • Humus accumulation in the soil: product of the decomposition of organic matter (dead organisms, plant remains) by microorganisms.
   • Aside from respiration and the decomposition of organic matter, one mechanism for releasing CO2 into the air is through the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.
   • Fossil fuels are the remains of vegetation decomposed millions of years ago deposited in deep layers. By burning these fuels, CO2 returns to the atmosphere.

4. Phosphorous Cycle

   • Covers the most important needs of each organism
     • Includes the photosynthesis process
     • Covers both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. All living things benefit from this
   • That through weathering phosphate rocks decompose to release phosphates
   • The phosphate is include in the food chain
     • The weathering of rocks and volcanic activity release phosphate into the soil, water and air, where it is available to enter the food chain.
   • The only one in that it does not present a gaseous component and is not energized by microorganisms.
   • Phosphorus is used in agriculture as a fertilizer. The rains and irrigation cause leaks and seepage of this element into lakes, rivers and coastal areas, promoting the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems.

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