Water and Carbon Cycle
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes how solar energy influences the water cycle?

  • It increases the rate of surface runoff by heating the ground.
  • It directly causes precipitation by ionizing water molecules in the atmosphere.
  • It causes condensation by supercooling water vapor in the upper atmosphere.
  • It drives evaporation and sublimation, which move water into the atmosphere. (correct)

Why is evapotranspiration important in the water cycle?

  • It reduces surface runoff, preventing erosion.
  • It returns water to the atmosphere from both plant transpiration and surface evaporation. (correct)
  • It increases the amount of groundwater recharge.
  • It directly contributes to the formation of subsurface water flow.

In which of the following scenarios would surface runoff be most likely to occur?

  • After a light rain in a heavily forested area.
  • After a heavy rainfall on already saturated soil. (correct)
  • During a period of drought with very dry soil.
  • In an area with sandy soil and low vegetation density.

How does vegetation affect the flow of water in terrestrial environments?

<p>Vegetation decreases surface runoff and increases transpiration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between groundwater and the water cycle?

<p>Groundwater serves as a reservoir and is recharged by percolation, eventually contributing to surface water bodies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would deforestation in a watershed likely affect the water cycle in that area?

<p>Decreased evapotranspiration and increased surface runoff. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's water is both freshwater and easily accessible?

<p>Less than 1 percent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes involves water changing directly from a solid to a gas?

<p>Sublimation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most significant contributor to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the Industrial Revolution?

<p>The accelerated use of fossil fuels for energy production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does groundwater contribute to the replenishment of surface water bodies like streams and lakes?

<p>By providing a constant inflow from pores and fissures in rocks and soil. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary distinction between the two interconnected subcycles of the carbon cycle?

<p>One focuses on short-term carbon exchange among living organisms, and the other involves long-term cycling through geologic processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of aquifers in the water cycle and human water usage?

<p>Aquifers are reservoirs of groundwater that are often tapped for drinking and irrigation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do minerals such as phosphorus and sulfur primarily cycle from land to water environments?

<p>Through rain and surface runoff carrying minerals from land into water bodies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is carbon fundamentally important to living organisms?

<p>It serves as a primary structural component of biomolecules. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Select the option that demonstrates the process of precipitated water that infiltrates the soil:

<p>Rainwater soaking into the ground and becoming groundwater. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fossil fuels in the context of the carbon cycle?

<p>They represent a long-term reservoir of carbon that, when burned, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the flow of matter and energy in ecosystems?

<p>Energy flows directionally, while matter is conserved and recycled. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is a key component of nucleic acids and phospholipids?

<p>Phosphorus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following geological processes does NOT significantly contribute to the cycling of elements on Earth?

<p>Photosynthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the term 'biogeochemical cycles' used to describe the recycling of inorganic matter?

<p>Because the cycles involve the interaction of living organisms with geological and chemical processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the cycles of different elements interconnected within an ecosystem?

<p>The movement of water facilitates the movement of other elements, such as sulfur and phosphorus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most of the Earth's water is located in:

<p>Oceans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the total amount of freshwater on Earth remains constant, but the amount of ice decreases, what is the MOST likely immediate consequence?

<p>An increase in the amount of liquid freshwater available. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of freshwater on Earth is readily accessible in lakes and rivers?

<p>Less than 1% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of autotrophs in the biological carbon cycle?

<p>They utilize carbon dioxide to synthesize organic molecules. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of respiration contribute to the carbon cycle?

<p>It breaks down organic molecules, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a carbon reservoir?

<p>The Sun (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way carbon is passed from producers to higher trophic levels?

<p>Through consumption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes returns stored carbon from fossil fuels back into the active carbon cycle?

<p>Volcanic activity and human emissions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the connection between the biological and biogeochemical carbon cycles?

<p>The biological carbon cycle involves rapid exchange between organisms, while the biogeochemical cycle involves long-term storage in reservoirs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If deforestation increases, how would this affect the carbon cycle?

<p>It would decrease the amount of carbon stored in living biomass and increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying a sealed ecosystem. They observe that the rate of photosynthesis is significantly higher than the rate of respiration. What long-term effect would this imbalance likely have on the ecosystem's atmospheric composition?

<p>Decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide and increase in oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>They transform atmospheric nitrogen into organic nitrogen compounds usable by plants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of denitrification, performed by bacteria, has which of the following effects on the nitrogen cycle?

<p>It releases nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is organic nitrogen crucial for the study of ecosystem dynamics?

<p>It often limits primary production in ecosystems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the combustion of fossil fuels impact the nitrogen cycle?

<p>It releases nitrogen oxides that contribute to acid rain and greenhouse gas effects. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of using artificial fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus on the nitrogen cycle and aquatic ecosystems?

<p>It leads to increased nitrogen runoff, potentially causing eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of increased nitrous oxide (N2O) levels in the atmosphere?

<p>Contribution to climate change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Nitrogen runoff from fertilizers primarily affects which part of the nitrogen cycle in aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Introduces excess nitrogen, leading to algal blooms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ammonification in the nitrogen cycle?

<p>Conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do terrestrial ecosystems primarily obtain sulfates from weathered rocks?

<p>By plant roots absorbing soil sulfates released from the weathering process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes contributes to the release of sulfur back into the atmosphere from terrestrial ecosystems?

<p>The decomposition of plants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which sulfur enters the ocean from land?

<p>Runoff from land. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to acid rain formation?

<p>By releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, which turns into weak sulfuric acid in the atmosphere. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems?

<p>It lowers the pH of lakes, harming plants and animals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct consequence of acid rain on the man-made environment?

<p>Chemical degradation of buildings and monuments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following natural processes does NOT introduce sulfur into the environment?

<p>Combustion of fossil fuels. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do chemoautotrophs play in marine ecosystems regarding the sulfur cycle?

<p>They use sulfur as a biological energy source, supporting marine ecosystems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biogeochemical Cycles

The recycling of inorganic matter between living organisms and their nonliving environment.

6 Common Elements

Carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Hydrosphere

The area of Earth where water movement and storage occurs (oceans, lakes, groundwater, ice, atmosphere).

Water's Role in Mineral Cycling

Water is crucial for leaching sulfur and phosphorus into water bodies.

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Saltwater Percentage

The majority (97.5%) of Earth's water is saltwater.

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Freshwater Storage

Most freshwater is stored as groundwater or ice.

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Available Freshwater

Less than 1% of freshwater is easily accessible in lakes and rivers.

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Increasing Water Availability

Techniques like wells, rainwater storage, and desalination.

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Photosynthesis

Converts carbon dioxide gas into organic carbon compounds.

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Respiration

Cycles organic carbon back into carbon dioxide gas.

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Carbon Sequestration

Long-term storage of organic carbon, like fossil fuels after living matter is buried.

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Carbon Emission

Returns stored carbon back into the carbon cycle.

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Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food.

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Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain carbon by consuming other organisms.

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Carbon Reservoirs

Areas where carbon is stored for long periods: atmosphere, oceans, soil, rocks.

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Biological Carbon Cycle

The exchange of carbon between heterotrophs and autotrophs.

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Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

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Groundwater

Water found beneath the Earth's surface, filling pores and fissures in soil and rock.

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Evaporation

The process where liquid water changes into water vapor (gas).

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Aquifers

Underground layers of rock or sediment that hold groundwater and can supply wells.

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Sublimation

The process where ice or snow changes directly into water vapor (gas).

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Carbon Cycle

The continuous movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

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Condensation and Precipitation

The process where water vapor in the air changes into liquid or solid form (rain, snow, hail).

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Fossil Fuels

Remains of dead plants and algae that have fossilized over millions of years, used as energy sources.

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Carbon

The element that forms the backbone of all organic molecules and is crucial for life.

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Surface Runoff

Freshwater flowing over the land's surface, often from rain or melting ice.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A gas in the atmosphere and dissolved in water, vital for photosynthesis and a key greenhouse gas.

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Transpiration

The process where water is absorbed by plant roots and then evaporates from the leaves.

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Evapotranspiration

The combined processes of evaporation and transpiration, representing total water returned to the atmosphere.

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Evaporation

The process by which water changes from liquid to gas and enters the atmosphere.

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Condensation

The process by which water vapor in the air cools and becomes liquid, forming clouds and precipitation.

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Groundwater

Water that is present beneath Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations.

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Weathering (Sulfur)

The release of sulfates from rocks into terrestrial ecosystems.

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Decomposition (Sulfur)

Returns sulfates to the ocean, soil, and atmosphere.

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Sulfur Deposits on Land

Precipitation, fallout, rock weathering, and geothermal vents.

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Sulfur in Rain

Atmospheric sulfur in the form of sulfur dioxide (SO2) dissolves in rainwater.

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Fallout (Sulfur)

The process where sulfur falls directly from the air onto land.

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Plant Uptake of Sulfates

Plants take up soil sulfates through their roots, incorporating it into the food web.

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Sulfur Sources in the Ocean

Runoff, atmospheric fallout, and underwater geothermal vents.

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Acid Rain

Rainwater mixed with sulfur dioxide, forming weak sulfuric acid.

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Denitrification

Conversion of nitrates in soil to nitrogen gas, releasing it back into the atmosphere.

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Nitrogen Fixation

Bacteria converts nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into usable organic nitrogen compounds.

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Human Impact on Nitrogen cycle

Using nitrogen-based fertilizers and burning fossil fuels.

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Acid Rain and Nitrogen

Nitrogen oxides from combustion contribute to acid rain.

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Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse that contributes to climate change.

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Nitrogen and Food Webs

Organic nitrogen from producers becomes available to consumers.

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Nitric Acid

Nitrogen form of nitric acid (HNO3) in the atmosphere.

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Nitrogen Gas Conversion

Nitrogen is converted back into nitrogen gas by bacteria

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Study Notes

  • Matter is conserved and recycled in ecosystems, unlike energy, which flows directionally.
  • Key elements like carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycle through the environment and organisms.
  • Cycling is influenced by geological processes like weathering and subduction, as well as chemistry, forming what are known as biogeochemical cycles.

The Water Cycle

  • The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including surface water, groundwater, ice, and atmospheric water vapor.
  • Most Earth's water is saltwater (97.5%), with the remaining being mostly groundwater or ice.
  • Less than 1% of the total water on Earth is accessible freshwater in lakes and rivers.
  • The water cycle is driven by solar energy, involving evaporation (liquid to vapor) and sublimation (ice to vapor).
  • Water vapor condenses into clouds, leading to precipitation (rain, snow, hail) that returns water to Earth.
  • Surface runoff is the flow of freshwater over land, contributing to streams and lakes.
  • Transpiration is when water evaporates from plants
  • Evapotranspiration is the combined process of transpiration and evaporation.
  • Groundwater is a significant source of fresh water, found in soil pores and rock fissures.
  • Aquifers are groundwater reservoirs that serve as sources for drinking and irrigation water.
  • Rain and runoff cycle minerals like phosphorus and sulfur from land to water

The Carbon Cycle

  • Carbon is the second most abundant element in organisms and the foundation of organic molecules.
  • Carbon compounds store energy, with fossil fuels representing carbon from ancient organisms.
  • Increased use of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution has caused a drastic increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
  • The carbon cycle is divided into rapid carbon exchange among living organisms and long-term cycling through geological processes.
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used by autotrophs via photosynthesis to create high-energy compounds such as glucose.
  • Energy from the covalent bonds is stored, linking carbon atoms together, which is then used for respiration.
  • Carbon passes from producers to higher trophic levels through consumption.
  • Respiration breaks down organic molecules, releasing carbon as CO2 back into the atmosphere.
  • Carbon reservoirs are regions where carbon is stored for extended periods: atmosphere, liquid water, ocean sediment, soil, rocks, the Earth’s interior
  • Calcium carbonate from marine organism shells forms limestone, the largest carbon reservoir on Earth.
  • Carbon is also stored in soil as organic carbon from decomposition and weathering.
  • Subduction moves ocean floor carbon sediments deep within Earth, later released as CO2 through volcanic activity or hydrothermal vents.

The Nitrogen Cycle

  • Plants and phytoplankton cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen (N2).
  • Nitrogen enters the biological world via nitrogen fixation by free-living and symbiotic bacteria. The bacteria convert nitrogen to ammonia (NH3), which becomes ammonium (NH4+).
  • Bacteria convert ammonium into nitrites (NO2-) and then nitrates (NO3-), which producers use to make organic molecules.
  • Denitrification converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.
  • Human activities, such as the combustion of fossil fuels and fertilizer use, alter the nitrogen cycle.
  • Nitrogen can become nitric acid HNO3, which contributes to acid rain.
  • Nitrogen can become nitrous oxide N2O, which casuses greenhouse gas effects.
  • Eutrophication occurs when fertilizer runoff leads to overgrowth of algae, oxygen depletion, and death of aquatic life.

The Phosphorus Cycle

  • Phosphorus is essential for nucleic acids, phospholipids, and bone components.
  • It is often a limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Phosphorus occurs as phosphate ion (PO43-).
  • Phosphate is released into the environment through weathering of rocks.
  • Phosphorus also occurs due to human activity by being released due to runoff.
  • Ocean sediments containing phosphate are moved to land through geological uplifting.
  • Excessive phosphorus and nitrogen cause algal overgrowth, leading to oxygen depletion and dead zones in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Dead zones are areas depleted of normal flora and fauna due to factors like eutrophication, oil spills and toxic chemicals.

The Sulfur Cycle

  • Sulfur is essential for amino acids and protein formation.
  • Sulfur cycles between oceans, land, and the atmosphere.
  • Atmospheric sulfur exists as sulfur dioxide (SO2).
  • Sulfur dioxide enters the atmosphere through decomposition, volcanic activity, geothermal vents, and burning fossil fuels.
  • Sulfur returns to land by precipitation (as weak sulfuric acid) or direct fallout.
  • Rocks release sulfur through weathering, and terrestrial ecosystems take up sulfates (SO4) through plant roots.
  • Human activities like burning fossil fuels release hydrogen sulfide gas into the atmosphere.
  • Acid rain is created when sulfur compounds mix with rainwater, causing damage to ecosystems and human-made structures.

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Biogeochemical Cycles - Water, Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Sulfur - Science Textbook PDF

Description

Explore the relationship between solar energy and the water cycle, the importance of evapotranspiration, and the impact of vegetation on water flow. Understand the role of groundwater and the effects of deforestation. Understand the carbon cycle.

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