Biogeochemical Cycles

Ploughing increases the oxygen supply to decomposers in the soil, accelerating aerobic decomposition. This reduces the amount of carbon stored in the soil as dead organic matter and increases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

Afforestation increases the movement of carbon from the atmosphere into biomass, helping to balance the carbon cycle by absorbing more carbon dioxide from the air.

Deforestation reduces the movement of carbon from the atmosphere into biomass, disrupting the natural carbon cycle and increasing atmospheric carbon levels.

The carbon cycle shows the processes that move carbon between its reservoirs in the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere

Anaerobic respiration by soil organisms releases methane gas, which, if released into the atmosphere, is gradually oxidized to CO2, contributing to increased atmospheric carbon levels.

Marine pollution with toxic materials can reduce phytoplankton populations, decreasing the absorption of dissolved carbon dioxide and reducing the amount of carbon stored in marine sediments, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels.

Dynamic equilibrium

Climate change reduces the area of sea ice, which lowers the amount of carbon absorbed by algae living under the ice, thereby reducing the carbon sink effect and contributing to higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Human activities, such as landfills, drainage of wetlands, and certain agricultural practices, create anaerobic environments where methane can be produced by soil organisms. This methane contributes to atmospheric carbon when it is released and oxidized.

Biogeochemical cycles involve the recycling of nutrients, allowing small quantities of material to be continually recycled and support ecosystems over long periods.

Consumption, recycled also through respiration and decay