Biogeochemical Cycles
3 Fundamental Laws of Nature Conservation of Matter 1st Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy) 2nd Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy)
Earth: Matter does not come and go Earth is a Closed System to Matter
Biogeochemical Cycles: Reservoirs & Pathways Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere
Some Major Cycles of Matter Water Cycle Rock Cycle Chemical Cycles Carbon Nitrogen Phosphorous Sulfur
Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere
Carbon Cycle: Reservoirs Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere 1x (= 7.3x10 17 grams carbon) 3x 55x 35,000x
Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Photosynthesis Respiration& Decay
Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Photosynthesis Respiration& Decay Burial & Lithification Weathering & Volcanism Dissolution Photosynthesis Burial & Lithification Exsolution
Carbon Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Human Impacts Burning fossil fuels: Increased combustion Deforestation: Decrease Photosynthesis Increase Respiration Net Effect: Increase in Carbon in Atmosphere
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide northern summer northern winter
Nitrogen Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Nitrogen fixation: bacteria lightning Waste & Decomposition Denitification: bacteria Erosion Absorption
Nitrogen- Fixing Bacteria in Root Nodules
Nitrogen Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Nitrogen fixation: industrial (fertilizer) combustion Increased Erosion Human Impacts Net Effect: Increase in Nitrogen in water & soil
Phosphorous Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Never enters the atmosphere Waste & Decomposition Weathering & Erosion Absorption Sedimentation Absorption
Phosphorous Cycle Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Mining, use (fertilizer, detergent, etc.) & increased runoff Human Impacts Net Effect: Increase in phosphorous in water & “algal blooms”; Depletion in soils More Phos. for organisms
Eutrophication
Impact: Red Tide
Sulfur Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Volcanoes & Weathering Waste & Decomposition Deep Sea Vents Absorption Sedimentation Absorption Precipitation “Evaporation” Weathering Bacteria Release Bacteria Absorption
Sulfur Cycle Atmosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere Biosphere Burning Fossil Fuels Precipitation” Acid Rain Human Impacts Net Effect: Increase in atmosphere (health effects) and acid rain
What is the ultimate interface of all 4 reservoirs for these cycles? Soil