Four Ecological Cycles: Carbon, Water, Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Understanding the four major biogeochemical cycles, carbon, water, nitrogen, and phosphorus, is critical to understanding the impact that humans have on the ecology of the planet. These cycles exist independent of human activity, but are affected by humans. As such, understanding how they work and their dependencies deepens the understanding of ecological and environmental policies that may be under consideration. This research provides an examination of each of these cycles.

The global carbon cycle is driven primarily by photosynthesis and respiration; plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into sugar via photosynthesis. Animals may eat the plant and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere via respiration. Carbon dioxide also results when the plant dies via the decay process; the same is true when animals die and the decay process releases carbon dioxide. Fires also contribute carbon to the atmosphere, as does burning foss

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Category: Science - F