Biogeochemical Cycles and Earth's spheres Flashcard

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere includes all water on Earth's surface, underground, and in the air, including saltwater, freshwater, and water vapor.

Front

What cycle involves evaporation?

Back

The Water Cycle involves evaporation, which is the process of water turning from liquid to vapor.

Front

Which Earth systems interact when plants absorb nutrients from the soil?

Back

The interaction occurs between the Biosphere (plants) and the Geosphere (soil).

Front

What is the geosphere?

Back

The geosphere is the part of the Earth that contains all the rock and minerals.

Front

What does it mean that the amount of matter in the environment always stays the same?

Back

This means that matter is neither created nor destroyed; it is recycled through various processes in the environment.

Front

Define the biosphere.

Back

The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists, including land, water, and the atmosphere.

Front

What is the atmosphere?

Back

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, essential for weather and climate.

Front

Explain the carbon cycle.

Back

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Front

What role do decomposers play in biogeochemical cycles?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for plants.

Front

What is nutrient cycling?

Back

Nutrient cycling refers to the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.