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Biogeochemical Cycle
The process by which chemical elements are recycled through the Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and pedosphere.
Carbon Cycle
A cycle involving the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, critical for life.
Photosynthesis
The process where carbon is fixed into organic matter.
Respiration
The process which releases CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
The cycle in which nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms as it circulates among atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.
Nitrogen Fixation
The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia.
Nitrification
The process of converting ammonia to nitrates.
Denitrification
The process that converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas.
Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle)
Continuous movement of water on Earth through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Phosphorus Cycle
The movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms, which does not have a gaseous phase.
Sulfur Cycle
The cycle in which sulfur moves through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, critical for protein and vitamin structure.
Rock Cycle
Ongoing transformation of rocks through processes like weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and metamorphism.
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