biogeochemical cycles

• Photosynthesis captures light energy using pigments like chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis converts low-energy substances like carbon dioxide and water into high-energy carbohydrates
• Respiration releases the energy captured during photosynthesis to drive metabolic processes
• Aerobic respiration returns carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide
• Anaerobic respiration returns carbon to the atmosphere as methane
• Food webs involve the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids produced by plants
• Fossilisation of dead organic matter under anaerobic conditions can produce long-term carbon stores like fossil fuels
• Combustion of organic materials releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• Deforestation reduces carbon movement from the atmosphere into biomass
• Afforestation increases carbon movement from the atmosphere into biomass
• Marine pollution can reduce phytoplankton populations and decrease absorption of dissolved carbon dioxide
• Changes in aerobic respiration can impact the release of carbon from dead organic matter in the soil
• Changes in anaerobic respiration can lead to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere
• Human activities can affect the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, altering natural processes
• Methane may be released during fossil fuel extraction and combustion
• Human activities can indirectly impact biomass movements and carbon storage
• Conservation of biomass carbon stores like peat bogs and forests is crucial to prevent high CO2 releases
• Using alternatives to fossil fuels, such as renewable energy resources and nuclear power, can reduce CO2 emissions
• Carbon sequestration through large-scale tree planting can help remove CO2 from the atmosphere
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves capturing and storing carbon to prevent its release into the atmosphere
• Technologies like pre-combustion and post-combustion capture can help reduce CO2 emissions from combustion processes
• Storage of captured CO2 underground in geological structures can prevent its return to the atmosphere
• Ionisation by processes like lightning provides energy for atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen to react and produce oxides of nitrogen
• Fixation by micro-organisms reduces nitrogen to ammonia
• Nitrogen passes between organisms as amino acids and proteins in food chains
• Nitrification involves the oxidation of ammonium ions to nitrites and nitrates by bacteria in the soil
• Denitrification reduces nitrates in soil to nitrogen and nitrogen oxide gases under anaerobic conditions
• Leaching of nitrates from soil into water bodies provides nutrients for aquatic plants and algae
• Artificial fixation of nitrogen to ammonia and the use of nitrate fertilisers can alter natural processes
• Drainage of fields, soil disturbance, and pollution can affect nitrogen cycle rates
• Control of combustion processes and NOx releases can help manage nitrogen cycle impacts
• Management of biological wastes and organic fertilisers is important for controlling nitrogen cycle disruptions
• Reducing fossil fuel use can decrease NOx releases into the atmosphere
• Adopting Circular Economy principles and controlling NOx releases can help manage nitrogen cycle impacts
• Managing biological wastes, eutrophication, and organic fertilisers is crucial for sustainable nitrogen cycle management
• Farming practices can be changed to maximize beneficial processes that increase soil nitrate levels
• Plant roots absorb phosphates for metabolic processes
• Decomposition of dead organic matter releases phosphates for plant absorption
• Sedimentation incorporates phosphorus into sediments, reducing availability for other organisms
• Mountain building and weathering processes mobilize phosphorus slowly for living organisms