Earth and the Biosphere The Carbon Cycle The Nitrogen Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Movement of Carbon in the Carbon Cycle Carbon moves in many forms between the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Biosphere: plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere (photosynthesis)
Hydrosphere: CO2 from the atmosphere. is dissolved in the oceans Hydrosphere: CO2 from the atmosphere is dissolved in the oceans. Marine plants use CO2 for photosynthesis. Atmosphere: CO2 enters the atmosphere from living things during the process of respiration (energy- making)
Geosphere: Carbon enters the geosphere when plants and animals die and decay into the ground. Carbon moves from the geosphere to the atmosphere with the burning of fossil fuels
Nitrogen Cycle
Movement of Nitrogen in the Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen moves from the atmosphere to the geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere Atmosphere: Nitrogen (N2) is the major gas that comprises our atmosphere. 80% of our atmosphere is made up of nitrogen
Biosphere: Nitrogen is stored in living and dead organic matter. Hydrosphere: Nitrogen enters oceans, lakes, streams, etc. from rain.
Geosphere: Nitrogen enters the soil from rain. Nitrogen enters as bacteria breaks down living and dead organic matter. Nitrogen enters as bacteria breaks down wastes from living matter.