BIOB50H3 Lecture 12: Lecture 12
Document Summary
Release into atmosphere through respiration gases, particulate release, decomposition. Lost to downstream ecosystems via stream ow until reaches oceans. Lost to sediments (decomposition of dead organic matter) can take millions of years for nutrient atoms in sediments to return to ecosystem cycles. Nutrients carried long distances by winds (gases/particles) and waters (dissolved solutes/ particles) C, n, p, and s cycles biologically important, altered through human activities; all 4 are affected by burning fossil fuels. Pool amount of element in component of biosphere, stays in one place; e. g. terrestrial plants = c pool. Ux rate of movement of element between pools; e. g. photosynthesis by plants = c ux. Hydrological cycle: nutrients can move long distance by water. !1: 99. 02% of water is in a pool not moving, climate change is speeding up this cycle and this causes ooding in areas, causing bigger storms as well.