Water, Phosphorus, Carbon, and Nitrogen Cycles Overview

evaporation

The process by which liquid water turns into water vapor due to heat.

transpiration

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

condensation

Water vapor cools and turns back into liquid, forming clouds.

precipitation

Water falling from the atmosphere to Earth's surface as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

infiltration

Water soaking into the ground and entering underground reservoirs.

runoff

Water flowing over Earth's surface into lakes, rivers, and oceans.

groundwater

Water stored underground in soil or rock layers.

deforestation effect on water cycle

Reduces transpiration and increases runoff, leading to erosion and flooding.

urbanization effect on water cycle

Increases surfaces that water can't soak into, causing more runoff and pollution.

pollution effect on water cycle

Contaminates water sources and disrupts ecosystems.

phosphorus gas phase

No, it has no atmospheric component.

phosphorus location

In rocks, soil, and living organisms.

weathering in phosphorus cycle

The breaking down of rocks to release phosphorus into the soil.

absorption by plants in phosphorus cycle

Plants take in phosphorus from the soil through their roots.

consumption in phosphorus cycle

Animals eat plants or other animals to get phosphorus.

decomposition in phosphorus cycle

Breakdown of dead organisms, returning phosphorus to the soil.

sedimentation

Phosphorus settles at the bottom of water bodies and forms rock.

fertilizers effect on phosphorus cycle

Add excess phosphorus to water, causing algal blooms.

mining effect on phosphorus cycle

Releases large amounts of phosphorus into the environment.

atmosphere role in carbon cycle

Stores carbon as CO₂.

plants participation in carbon cycle

Absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis and release it during respiration.

photosynthesis

Plants use CO₂, water, and sunlight to make glucose and oxygen.

respiration

The process where organisms break down food and release CO₂.

decomposition in carbon cycle

Decomposers break down dead matter, releasing carbon into the soil and air.

combustion

Burning fossil fuels or biomass, releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere.

oceans role in carbon cycle

Absorb and store large amounts of CO₂.

burning fossil fuels impact on carbon cycle

Increases atmospheric CO₂, contributing to global warming.

deforestation impact on carbon cycle

Reduces carbon uptake by trees and increases atmospheric CO₂.

nitrogen fixation

The conversion of nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by bacteria or lightning.

nitrification

Conversion of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates by bacteria.

assimilation in nitrogen cycle

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil; animals get nitrogen by eating plants.

ammonification

Decomposers turn organic nitrogen into ammonia.

denitrification

Conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas by bacteria.

fertilizer use effect on nitrogen cycle

Adds excess nitrogen to ecosystems, causing pollution and algal blooms.

burning fossil fuels effect on nitrogen cycle

Releases nitrogen oxides, contributing to smog and acid rain.