ENVR 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Lithosphere, Surface Runoff

• School: McGill University
• Department: Environment
• Course: ENVR 200
• Professor: George Mc Court

Document Summary

Mostly found in the lithosphere, with some in oceans and sediments. Very little found in soils, biota and the atmosphere. Has an uptake/decomposition cycle similar to that of short c and n cycles. Sulfate is taken in by trees and produces c-s compounds. C-s compounds are broken down in the soil by microbes. H2s can be an electron donor in sulphur oxidation by bacteria. Sulfate can act as an electron acceptor (reduced) for energy-yielding reactions. So2 outgasses from landforms like hot springs and volcanoes. Sulphur compounds form clouds and is released in precipitation. In the stratosphere, sulphate aerosols (so4) can create a veil to reflect radiation. Fossil fuels contribute the largest portion of so2 emissions. Sulphur enters oceans through precipitation, surface runoff and groundwater.