sulfur cycle

erosion

rocks/soil are broken down into sediment transporting sulfur across land or into water

decomposition

organic material breaks down returning organic sulfur to the soil

H2S hydrogen sulfide

released by volcanic eruptions, fuel combustion, and bacteria in the soil

deposition

sulfur settles back on earth or comes down with precipitation

sulfur dioxide SO2

released by volcanic eruption, fuel combustion formed from H2S reacting with O2

Dimethyl Sulfide DMS

released to atmosphere by marine organisms and helps cloud droplets condense

sulfuric Acid H2SO4

formed from sulfur oxides reacting with water vapor

Combustion

the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal

absorption

sulfates taken up by plants through their roots

infiltration

sulfates filter through pores in soil and rock

Bacterial decay

bacteria release back H2S to the atmosphere