Cycles of Matter

Fundamentals Matter can not be created or destroyed So…matter must cycle The big six: Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Phosphorous Sulfur

Carbon Cycle Carbon - Basic building of organic compounds CO2 is a key component of the atmosphere’s thermostat

Sources of Carbon from Human Activity Carbon Cycle Natural Sources of Carbon Sources of Carbon from Human Activity Death of plants and animals Animal waste Atmospheric CO2 Weathering Methane gas from cows (and other ruminants) Aerobic respiration from terrestrial and aquatic life Burning wood or forests Cars, trucks, planes Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to produce heat and energy.

Largest reservoir: Marine sediments Carbon Cycle Largest reservoir: Marine sediments

Carbon Cycle - Oceans Role The ocean is a HUGE carbon sink Many animals pull carbon from water for shells, etc. Animals die and carbon is deposited at the bottom of the ocean.

Nitrogen Cycle 78% of atmosphere nitrogen Major reservoir Not usable by most organisms Nitrogen Fixation Lightning Done by bacteria or algae

Nitrogen Cycle – Anthropogenic Burning fossil fuels  release of nitric oxide Fertilizer  in soil Deforestation  release to atmosphere Agriculture runoff  water

Nitrogen Cycle

Phosphorus Cycle Major reservoir is rock. Major limiting resource for terrestrial plant growth Human influences: Mining phosphate  fertilizers Fertilizer runoff Result: algae blooms  eutrophication

Phosphorus Cycle

Sulfur Cycle Major reservoir: underground rock & mineral formations Natural cycle Volcanic activity Anaerobic decomposition Sea Spray Forest fires Human activity Burning fossil fuels Refining petroleum Extracting metals such as zinc or copper

Sulfur Cycle