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Cycles in Nature. Water Cycle. Evaporation The process of liquid water converting into a vapor. Transpiration The process of a plant losing water through its tissue. Precipitation The process of water condensing and falling as rain or snow. Sunlight drives the water cycle. Carbon Cycle.
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Water Cycle • Evaporation • The process of liquid water converting into a vapor. • Transpiration • The process of a plant losing water through its tissue. • Precipitation • The process of water condensing and falling as rain or snow. • Sunlight drives the water cycle.
Carbon Cycle • Biological processes take up and release carbon and oxygen. • Photosynthesis: CO2 + H2O C6H12O6 + O2 • Respiration: O2 + C6H12O6 CO2 + H2O + ATP • Decomposition
Geochemical - Erosion, volcanic activity • Biogeochemical - Decomposition of dead organisms, conversion into coal and fossil fuels. • Human activities - Mining, cutting/burning forests, burning fossil fuels
Nitrogen Cycle • Needed to make protein. • Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up 78% of atmosphere • Nitrogen Fixation: bacteria convert N2 gas in NH3. • Other bacteria convert NH3 into nitrates/ites. • Denitrification: bacteria convert nitrates into N2 gas
Phosphorus Cycle • Forms part of life molecules such as DNA and RNA. • Mainly stored in rock and soil.
Nutrient Limitation • Limiting nutrient – scarce or slow cycling nutrient that limits growth in an ecosystem. • Farmers use fertilizer. • Algal blooms.