Biogeochemical Cycles

These flashcards cover key concepts and processes related to biogeochemical cycles including the water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and algae take in carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars using sunlight and water.

Cellular Respiration

The process in which animals and plants use aerobic cellular respiration to release energy for biological processes, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Decomposition

The process performed by fungi and bacteria that decomposes dead organisms and organic waste, releasing organic compounds and carbon dioxide.

Fossilization

The process in which dead organisms can fossilize under specific conditions over thousands and millions of years to form fossil fuels.

Combustion

The burning of fossil fuels, which releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which bacteria in the soil and root nodules of leguminous plants convert nitrogen gas into ammonium ions.

Nitrification

The process of turning ammonium ions into nitrites and eventually nitrates, facilitated by groups of nitrifying bacteria.

Assimilation

The uptake of nitrates from the soil by the roots of plants.

Ammonification

The conversion of nitrogen compounds from dead organisms and organic waste into ammonium by decomposers.

Denitrification

The process of turning nitrates into nitrogen gas, performed by denitrifying bacteria.

Weathering

The physical and chemical breakdown of rocks that releases phosphate ions into the environment.

Surface Runoff

The process where phosphate ions dissolve in water and are transported to waterways, often enhanced by fertilizer runoff.

Sedimentation

The compaction of dead marine organisms by sediment over thousands of years, which can form sedimentary rocks.

Uplift

The geological process that moves rocks from oceans onto the land.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the environment to living organisms and back.

Phospholipids

A major component of cell membranes, which contain phosphate groups.

Nitrogen Gas

Makes up 78% of our atmosphere, primarily used by plants to synthesize amino acids and proteins.

Carbon Cycle

The cycle that describes the movement of carbon through the environment, involving processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and infiltration.

Evaporation

The process through which water turns from a liquid to a gas/vapor due to heating by the Sun's energy.

Precipitation

The process where water falls from the sky in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail.

Transpiration

The process by which water evaporates from the leaves of plants through tiny holes called stomata.