nitrogen phosphorus water and carbon cycles

what is the nitrogen cycle

the process by which nitrogen is converted into various chemical forms as it circulates among the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms

which step in the nitrogen cycle comes first

assimilation

2nd step of nitrogen cycle

ammonification

3rd step of nitrogen cycle

nitrification

4th step of nitrogen cycle

denitrification

assimilation (nitrogen cycle)

Plants absorb nitrates (NO3) from the soil through their roots to build organic molecules like proteins and nucleic acids.

ammonification (nitrogen cycle)

decomposers return nitrogen to soil

nitrification

ammonia-nitrites-nitrates

denitrification

bacteria release nitrogen back to air

what is the carbon cycle

carbon atoms are exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organhisms

1st step of carbon cycle

photosynthesis

2nd step of carbon cycle

respiration

3rd step of carbon cycle

decomposition

4th step of carbon cycle

combustion

photosynthesis

plants take in CO2

respiration

CO2 released back into atmosphere

decomposition

dead organis matter adds CO2 to soil/air

combustion

burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon

what is the phosphorus cycle?

the natural movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and. living organisms

1st step of phosphorus cycle

weathering of rocks

2nd step of phosphorus cycle

absorption

3rd step of phosphorus cycle

consumption

4th step of phosphorus cycle

decomposition

5th step of phosphorus cycle

sedimentation

weathering

rocks release phosphate

absorption

plants take it up

consumption

animals eat plants

decomposition

returns phosphate to soil

sedimentation

forms new rock layers

what is the water cycle

continous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the earth, driven by the sun’s energy and gravity

1st step of water cycle

evaporation

2nd step of water cycle

transpiration

3rd step of water cycle

condensation

4th step of water cycle

precipitation

5th step of water cycle

infiltration

6th step of water cycle

runoff

evaporation

liquid water turns into water vapor

transpiration

plans release water vapor into atmosphere

condensation

water vapor cools and changes into liquid water droplets

precipitation

water falls from atmosphere to earths surface

infiltration

water on ground surface enters soil

runoff

precipitation that does not soak into the ground and flows over land’s surface