NUTRIENT CYCLES The Earth as a self contained system (powered by solar and geothermal energy) © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
Cycles of matter All the carbon on Earth was formed in a young star Only a thermonuclear reaction or high energy radiation can produce new atoms Essentially all the atoms on Earth will stay the same for the life of our planet However they can be recycled, combining in different ways with other atoms © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
The Carbon cycle in the biosphere PLANTS CO 2 gas respiration combustion photosynthesis © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
Adding in the consumers DECOMPOSERS ANIMALS feeding PLANTS CO 2 gas respirationphotosynthesis feeding © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
Fossil fuels FOSSILS DECOMPOSERS PLANTS ANIMALS CO 2 gas respiration photosynthesis combustion © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
Wheels within wheels carbonates HYDROGEN CARBONATES in solution CO 2 gas Out gassing dissolving FOSSILS ANIMALS respirationphotosynthesis feeding combustion feeding DECOMPOSERS PLANTS © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS
carbonates FOSSILS HYDROGEN CARBONATES in solution PLANTS ANIMALS CO 2 gas DECOMPOSERS By the numbers Gt Soil =1600 Gt 750 Gt (370ppm or 0.04%) Gt 4000 Gt 580 Gt 1Gt = 10 9 tonnes ppm = parts per million © 2007 Paul Billiet ODWSODWS