Questions and Answers
What is the process by which uplifted rocks contribute phosphates to the land?
What happens to phosphate fertilizer applied to fields?
It can run off into streams, become part of a soil pool, or be absorbed by plants.
How do excretion and decomposition affect phosphates?
They release phosphates on land or in water.
Dissolved phosphates do not contribute to ocean sediments.
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What geological process can lift phosphate rocks from the ocean floor?
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Match the steps of the phosphorus cycle:
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The steps of the phosphorus cycle include weathering, fertilizer, excretion and decomposition, dissolved phosphates, and __________.
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Study Notes
Weathering
- Uplifted rocks undergo weathering, releasing phosphates into the land and water systems.
- Some phosphates that enter the land eventually make their way back to the ocean.
Fertilizer
- Phosphate fertilizers can be applied to agricultural fields.
- Runoff from these fields may enter streams, contribute to soil pools, or be taken up by plants.
Excretion and Decomposition
- Animals excrete phosphates into the environment.
- The decomposition process of plants and animals also liberates phosphates into both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Dissolved Phosphates
- Phosphates dissolved in aquatic systems can precipitate out, forming sediment.
- The transformation of sediments into phosphate rocks occurs gradually, over extended geological timeframes.
Geologic Uplift
- Geologic forces facilitate the slow uplift of phosphate-rich rocks from ocean floors to the earth's surface, potentially forming mountains.
Phosphorus Cycle Steps
- The phosphorus cycle includes key processes: weathering, fertilizer applications, excretion and decomposition, the presence of dissolved phosphates, and geologic uplift.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the phosphorus cycle with these flashcards. Each card covers key terms and their definitions, highlighting processes like weathering, fertilizer use, and the roles of excretion and decomposition. Perfect for students studying environmental science or ecology.
