Cycles of Matter: Vocab (UNIT 2)

Carbon/Oxygen Cycle: Photosynthesis

The process where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) and release oxygen as a byproduct

Carbon/Oxygen Cycle: Cellular Respiration

The process by which organisms break down organic molecules (like glucose) to release energy, consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and water

Carbon/Oxygen Cycle: Combustion

The process of burning organic matter in the presence of oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water

Multiple Cycles: Decomposition

The process by which dead organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by decomposers like bacteria and fungi

Multiple Cycles: Reservoir

Multiple biogeochemical cycles involve the continuous movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus between different compartments of the environment

Multiple Cycles: Source/Sink

Refers to the net movement of a substance (like carbon, water, or nutrients) within a specific compartment of the environment

Source

A place where a substance is released or discharged faster than it is absorbed

Sink

A substance is absorbed or taken up faster than it is released

Water Cycle: Precipitation

The process by which water returns to Earth’s surface from the atmosphere in the form of liquid or solid water

Water Cycle: Condensation

The process where water vapor in the air transforms into liquid water

Water Cycle: Evaporation

Water Cycle: Transpiration / Evapotranspiration

Water Cycle: Infiltration / Percolation

Water Cycle: Runoff