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ENVS 195 > Matter Cycling > Flashcards

Matter Cycling Flashcards

1
Q

What is matter?

A

It has mass and takes up space and is composed of elements

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2
Q

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

A

It continuously cycles nutrients. AKA nutrient cycle. The speed of a cycle depends on ecosystem type, season, nutrient, etc.

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3
Q

what are the 2 types of biogeochemical cycles? explain

A

Gaseous - most matter is in atmosphere (ie, N)
Sedimentary - most matter is in lithosphere & a slower cycle as nutrient is locked in place for millions of years (ie, P & S)

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4
Q

What are the 5 major pools of the carbon cycle?

A
  1. Lithosphere
  2. Oceans
  3. Soil Organic Matter
  4. Atmosphere
  5. Biosphere
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5
Q

Explain C in lithosphere

A

Largest C deposit, mostly in sedimentary rock (from dead organisms accumulating at bottom of ocean).

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6
Q

Where do fossil fuels come from?

A

Carbon in lithosphere gives us fossil fuels (converting dead organic matter by heat & pressure) and by burning fossil fuels, we release C into atmosphere that would otherwise be locked up… CONSEQUENCES.

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7
Q

Explain C in ocean

A

Second largest C deposit/storage (but far less). In surface ocean, dissolved CO2 & CaCO4 in organisms’ shells. Lots more C in deep ocean

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8
Q

Explain C in soil organic matter

A

decomposition of organic matter (like litter, or humic substances) stores carbon

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9
Q

Explain C in atmosphere

A

Primarily, CO2, CO, CH4.. significant increases of C stored here because of human activity

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10
Q

Explain C in biosphere

A

consists of all living and dead organisms not yet converted into organic matter (C stored in bodies)

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11
Q

What is residence time?

A

the typical length of time a nutrient stays in one compartment

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12
Q

How does the carbon cycle work?

A

The diffusion of CO2 into the surface ocean from the atmosphere will partially be taken in by the biosphere (marine). The oceans will also emit some CO2 back to the atmosphere. Biosphere (breathing out) and soil organic matter easily oxidize into atmosphere. Deforestation and fossil fuels emit CO2 too.

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13
Q

How do humans impact the carbon cycle?

A
  • fossil fuels
  • deforestation
  • soil organic carbon (increasing erosion with construction, agricultural activity (tilling))
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14
Q

Why is phosphorus important? Example of plants & animals

A

It is essential for life processes on earth (macronutrient), but it is rare on the earth’s surface so the amount retained in biomass is critical.
Plants: good for stem strength, root growth & developing healthy seeds
Animals: healthy bones & teeth, found in cells & tissues

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15
Q

What are the 3 major pools of the P cycle?

A
  1. All organisms (terrestrial & marine)
  2. Marine sedimentary rock
  3. Soils
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16
Q

Explain the P cycle

A

P is not found in atmosphere, so it is stored in rock & sediments on the ocean floor. It is released by chemical weathering (acid rain, lichen chemicals), or physical weathering (wind, rain, freezing.. erosion)

17
Q

Explain P on land

A

It is available in the soil as phosphates that plants will take up, animals then eat the plants & then decomposers return dead material/waste to the soil

18
Q

Explain P in water

A

Phosphates make their way into water through erosion, leaching, run-off, etc., but it has low solubility so most P settles at the bottom as sediment. Some P will be used by aquatic plants, but the rest will be converted into sedimentary rock where it can only become usable again after geological uplift

19
Q

Give examples of geological uplift

A
  • shifting plates: mountains

- folding crust: buried rock comes to surface

20
Q

How do humans impact the P cycle?

A
  • phosphates mined for fertilizer
  • caused erosion (washed into water)
  • large scale animal agriculture (livestock waste run-off)
  • waste/storm water run-off
  • eutrophication (excess of nutrients (like P), leads to algae growth)
21
Q

Solutions for human impacts?

A
  • sustainable farming: reuse resources to grow plants & increase soil quality (no run-off)
  • smart fertilization: use straw with animal waste to fertilize fields
  • ecomachines: greenhouses to treat raw sewage - mock natural way; no chemicals & less expensive
  • ecohouses: rain barrels, compost toilets, reusing water
22
Q

What are the 6 major pools of the hydrological cycle?

A
  1. Oceans
  2. Ice
  3. Soil/Groundwater
  4. Lakes & Rivers
  5. Atmosphere
  6. Living organisms (biota)
23
Q

What powers the hydrological cycle?

A

The sun’s energy and the movement in the atmosphere… It has varying residence times

24
Q

How do humans impact the hydrological cycle?

A
  • run-off from domestic, agricultural & industrial use
  • storage structures/dams
  • draining wetlands
  • pumping groundwater
  • land use changes (urbanization, agriculture)
  • climate change interferences
    All involve the disruption of biogeochemical cycles

ENVS 195 (7 decks)

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