Biogeochemical cycles

Biogeochemical cycle

process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another

Aquifer

a body of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater.

Eutrophication

A process by which nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, become highly concentrated in a body of water, leading to increased growth of organisms such as algae or cyanobacteria.

Macromolecules

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

Cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen

Fossilization

when living material is replaced with mineral substances in the remains of an organism

Nitrogen fixation

Process of converting nitrogen gas into ammonia

Denitrification

Conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas

Precipitation

rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.

Infiltration

the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil

Runoff

water that flows over the ground surface rather than soaking into the ground

Evaporation

The change of a substance from a liquid to a gas

Transpiration

Evaporation of water from the leaves of a plant

Condensation

Gas to liquid, forming clouds

Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy.

Decomposition

Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms break down dead organic matter into simpler substances

Ammonification

decomposers convert organic waste into ammonia, making it available for plants to absorb or for further nitrification into nitrates

Nitrification

the process by which nitrites and nitrates are produced by bacteria in the soil