Water Cycle and Nutrient Cycles Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the water cycle and essential nutrient cycles (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, sulfur, and sodium), providing definitions and explanations for better understanding.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Eutrophication

A process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Transpiration

The process by which water evaporates from plants into the atmosphere.

Infiltration

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

Percolation

The process by which water moves down through soil and rock layers.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Evaporation

The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.

Nitrogen

An essential element for living organisms, primarily found in the atmosphere as nitrogen gas (N2).

Denitrification

The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas, which is then released back into the atmosphere.

Nitrification

The process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Assimilation

The process by which plants and animals incorporate nitrogen from nitrates and ammonia into organic compounds.

Phosphorus

An essential nutrient for living organisms, which does not have a gaseous form and often exists as an insoluble solid in nature.

Carbon Sinks

Natural reservoirs that store carbon, found in the hydrosphere, atmosphere, soil, and lithosphere.

Carbon Return to Atmosphere

Carbon is returned to the atmosphere through processes such as respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

Role of Sulfur

Sulfur is essential for amino acids and proteins in living cells.

Role of Sodium

Sodium plays a crucial role in cellular processes and maintaining fluid balance in organisms.