nutrient cycles Flashcards
(27 cards)
where is groundwater stored
aquifer
name the processes where water is converted to vapor (2)
evaporation and transpiration
two methods where water on land (in lakes and rivers) returns to the oceans
precipitation and percolation
rain, sleet, and snow are examples of
precipitation
If the air contains high levels of pollutants, what effect might this have on water quality?
the water quality would be bad
Which process(es) of the water cycle—precipitation, evaporation, condensation, runoff,
percolation or transpiration—might contribute to the addition of pollutants to rivers, lakes, and
oceans? Why?
percolation be cause it goes through the ground where pollutants and fossil fuels are
Which of the processes associated with the water cycle might be responsible for helping to clean
or filter the water?
percolation and transpiration
The water cycle is a closed system, meaning no water enters from beyond the system nor leaves
the system. What does that say about the importance of keeping the water on Earth free from
pollution?
if the water is polluted at any time during the cycle, then the whole system would be contaminated
Name two ways that carbon (usually in the form of CO2) enters the atmosphere.
respiration and combustion
Because increased carbon in the atmosphere traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, what is the name of the process that is intensified?
greenhouse effect
Which of the following does NOT contain significant amounts of carbon?
inorganic compounds
What percent of nitrogen is found in Earth’s atmosphere?
78
As plants and animals decompose they release nitrogen into the surrounding environment in the form of ammonium ions (NH4+). What is this process known as?
ammonification
Which process converts nitrogen gas to nitrate ions that plants can absorb?
nitrogen fixation
Which of the following is the correct order for the nitrogen cycle beginning with nitrogen gas?
nitrogen gas → ammonium → nitrite → nitrate
Name three types of bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle.
n-fixing bacteria, nitrites, nitrates
In what ways is N2 gas removed from the atmosphere?
lightning or n-fixing bacteria
By what process are animal wastes and dead organisms converted to other nitrogen-containing
compounds?
decomposition and ceamination
What is an example of a water reservoir?
glacier and ocean
What holds an element or water for a short period of time?
exchange pool
Through transpiration, water is released back into the atmosphere through the plant’s __
stomata
When water condenses in clouds, it changes state from ___ to ___
gas -> liquid
When the water frozen in an Austrian glacier changes directly to water vapor, this process is called __________________.
sublimination
Which of the following reservoirs holds the least water?
the atmosphere
