Cycles

Everyone should know a little bit about the difference cycles in the environment

The water cycle consists of the evaporation of water from the ocean, the condensation of water into clouds, the precipitation of the water on the land, into runoff towards the ocean.

Other less known parts include the infiltration and percolation of water into the soil and the slow groundwater movement along with transpiration from plants.

The nitrogen cycle consists of nitrogen fixation of atmospheric N2 into NH3, nitrification of NH4 to NO2 to NO3, and denitrification into atmospheric N2 again.

Other steps include ammonification of dead matter into NH3.

The Phosphorus Cycle is mainly a sedimentary cycle. Phosphate is usually the limiting factor for plants and lake populations.

The main parts of the phosphorus cycle include uplifting, sediments, fertilizing, and runoff.

The sulfur cycle is a mainly anthropogenic cycle, but most of it is inside the earth in rocks and minerals.

The important parts of the sulfur cycle include acid rain deposition, sulfate salt composition, and hydrogen sulfide emissions from industries.









QUIZ QUESTION: Through what process does atmospheric nitrogen get converted into NH3?

Nitrogen fixation! It is only through these nitrogen fixating bacteria that the N2 in the air can be transformed into useful forms for plants to absorb as nutrients.