Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

Back

A biogeochemical cycle is a natural process that recycles nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to organisms and then back to the environment.

Front

Name the four main biogeochemical cycles.

Back

The four main biogeochemical cycles are the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.

Front

What is the primary process that drives the water cycle?

Back

The primary process that drives the water cycle is evaporation, where water is converted from liquid to vapor.

Front

What role do plants play in the carbon cycle?

Back

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form that plants can absorb, such as ammonia (NH3).

Front

What is the significance of denitrification in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning it to the atmosphere and completing the nitrogen cycle.

Front

How does precipitation contribute to the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation is the process by which water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

What is the process of decomposition in the carbon cycle?

Back

Decomposition is the breakdown of dead organic matter by microorganisms, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of fossil fuels in the carbon cycle?

Back

Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient organisms and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burned.

Front

Describe the process of nitrification in the nitrogen cycle.

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2-) and then into nitrates (NO3-) by bacteria.