Biogeochemical Cycles
Big idea: Matter is conserved and repeatedly transferred among organisms, atmosphere, water, soil and rocks; biological, chemical and geological processes control the rates of these cycles.
Learning goals
- carbon cycle
- nitrogen fixation
- water cycle
- reservoir
- eutrophication
Core concepts
carbon cycle
Movement of carbon among the atmosphere, organisms, oceans, soils and rocks through processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.
nitrogen fixation
Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into biologically usable reduced nitrogen compounds.
water cycle
Continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff and biological uptake.
reservoir
A component of Earth's system in which an element or compound is stored for a characteristic time.
eutrophication
Excess nutrient input that stimulates production and can lead to oxygen depletion in water.