Water and Carbon Cycle

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the water and carbon cycles, important for understanding biological processes and environmental science.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A colorless gas that is a key component of the carbon cycle.

Water (H2O)

Essential liquid for life, involved in various biological and chemical processes.

Oxygen (O2)

A gas produced during photosynthesis and required by aerobic organisms for respiration.

Glucose (C6H12O6)

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Nitrate (NO3)

A chemical compound that is an important nutrient for plants.

Detritivores

Organisms that consume dead organic matter to obtain their nutrients.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead material and absorb nutrients from the ground.

Diffusion

The net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Evaporation

The process of converting liquid water to vapor, primarily driven by the sun's heat.

Transpiration

The release of water vapor from the leaves of plants into the atmosphere.

Precipitation

Any form of water (rain, snow, sleet, hail) that falls back to the Earth's surface.

Carbonic Acid

A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide mixes with water.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas that are derived from ancient organic matter.

Upwelling

The movement of nutrient-rich water from the depths of the ocean to the surface.

Ocean Acidification

The process whereby CO2 reacts with seawater to lower pH levels, harming marine life.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO2 that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Assimilation

The process of absorbing water and nutrients from the soil into plants.

Proteins

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulfur

Lipids/Fats

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus

Carbs

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen

Nucleic Acids

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus

Infiltration/Percolation

Process of water seeping into the soil and rock layers, replenishing groundwater. It plays a crucial role in the water cycle by filtering water and aiding in the movement of nutrients.

Runoff

the movement of water, typically from precipitation, over land and into bodies of water.