Cycles of Matter

The continuous process by which water moves from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back, involving evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

The process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

The plant life will grow exponentially, and many of the fish living in this area will die due to lack of oxygen.

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heat.

Atmospheric nitrogen is unusable to plants and animals, so it must be converted into a form they can use.

The process by which water vapor cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water, often carrying nutrients and pollutants.

Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrates from the soil, which they use to grow.

Bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through nitrogen fixation, and also convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas.