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Biogeochemical Cycles: Detailed Overview, Environmental Science

Biogeochemical Cycles: Detailed Overview, Environmental Science

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:28 PM IST

Biogeochemical cycles are some of the important recycling processes that take place for elements like carbon nitrogen Oxygen and phosphorus through the earth's atmosphere lithosphere hydrosphere and biosphere. These cycles are important due to the maintenance of the balance of the ecosystem as well as the continuous flow of nutrients and energy throughout the planet. Biogeochemicals are one of the topics in Biology and they carry a weightage of 4% in NEET and 4-5% in CBSE and other Paramedical Exams.

This Story also Contains
  1. What are Biogeochemical Cycles?
  2. Types Of Biogeochemical Cycles
  3. Gaseous Cycle
  4. Sedimentation Cycle
  5. Importance Of Biogeochemical Cycles
  6. Types of Questions Asked from Biogeochemical Cycle
  7. Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biogeochemical Cycle

What are Biogeochemical Cycles?

The words "bio" and "geo," refer to the biosphere and "geo" and "chemical," refer to the elements that flow through a cycle. These three words altogether are the roots of the phrase "biogeochemical."

Atoms make up the preserved stuff that exists on Earth. Since matter cannot be generated or destroyed, it is recycled in a variety of ways throughout the Earth's system.

The remainder of the elements are present in a closed system, and the earth receives energy from the sun that is reflected as heat. Major components include:

  • Carbon

  • Hydrogen

  • Nitrogen

  • Oxygen

  • Phosphorus

  • Sulphur

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Types Of Biogeochemical Cycles

Essentially, there are two categories of biogeochemical cycles. Both of them are discussed below in the table:

Features

Gaseous Cycle

Sedimentation Cycle

Explanation

  • Gaseous cycles involve the moment of gasses through the atmosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.

  • Involves the movement of nutrients like sediments, soils and bodies.

Examples

  • Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle Oxygen cycle and water cycle.

  • Sulfur cycle, Phosphorus cycle and Rock cycle.

Phases

  • The primary gaseous phase dominates.

  • Solid phases are predominant.

Storage


  • Gases are stored in the atmosphere and biosphere.


  • Nutrients are student rocks, soils and sediments.

Duration

  • Shorter duration

  • Longer duration


Gaseous Cycle

Major Cycles of Gaseous cycles are discussed below:

Biogeochemical Cycle

Definition

Importance

Water Cycle

  • There is the continuous moment of water in different phases such as evaporation condensation precipitation infiltration and runoff

  • Regulates the weather pattern

  • Is one of the essential aspects of life.

  • Effects the temperature and pressure of the environment.

Nitrogen cycle

  • This is one of the processes of Nitrogen of moving between the atmosphere, soil and living organisms. This process is crucial for protein and nucleic acid synthesis.

  • It is important for plant growth and supports the protein synthesis in the living organisms.

  • The nitrogen cycle also helps in maintaining the balance in the ecosystem.

Oxygen cycle

  • The moment of oxygen through the atmosphere biosphere and lithosphere in different steps takes place in the cycle.

  • The oxygen cycle is essential for all aerobic respiratory organisms.

  • This cycle supports life on Earth and maintains the atmospheric balance.

Carbon Cycle

  • The continuous flow of carbon between the atmosphere living organisms and geological formations takes place during the cycle.

  • The carbon cycle helps in regulating the Global climate and is essential for energy flow between the ecosystems.

  • It is also responsible for influencing the greenhouse effect.


Sedimentation Cycle

Some major cycles for the sedimentation cycle are discussed below:

Sedimentation Cycles

Explanation

Importance

Phosphorus Cycle

  • There is a continuous moment of phosphorus through the hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere which is very important for the growth of plants and animals present on the planet.

Sulfur Cycle

  • The continuous movement of sulfur from plants' soils and atmosphere is important for the protein synthesis that takes place in various metabolic processes.

  • The sulfur cycle is important for amino acids and Protein synthesis in the living organism's body.

  • It also contributes to the formation of acid rain which is released into the atmosphere.

  • Apart from this, there is also microbial as well as plant metabolism taking place due to the cycle.


Importance Of Biogeochemical Cycles

These cycles provide an example of how energy is utilized. These cycles transport the components needed for life to exist throughout the biosphere. They are essential because they recycle materials, store them as well, and control the essential materials through physical characteristics.

  • Ecosystems can continue to exist because of these cycles, which show how living and nonliving entities interact in ecosystems.

  • Due to the cycle, there are important processes taking place such as photosynthesis respiration nitrogen fixation which completely rely on the availability of elements which are provided by biogeochemical cycles.

  • Cycles like carbon and water cycles are very important for regulating Earth's climatic conditions.

  • The biogeochemical cycle is also responsible for breaking down the waste products and decomposing the dead organisms which return the essential nutrients to the ecosystem.

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Types of Questions Asked from Biogeochemical Cycle

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the Biogeochemical Cycle are asked. The table below contains the different patterns of questions asked in different exams.

Exam Type

Types of Questions Asked

Weightage

CBSE

  • Importance of biogeochemical cycles in ecosystems (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycles).

  • Explanation of processes such as nitrogen fixation, photosynthesis, and decomposition.

  • Role of biogeochemical cycles in maintaining balance in the environment.

  • Steps involved in the water, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles.

  • Human impact on biogeochemical cycles (e.g., pollution, deforestation).

4%

NEET

  • Different stages of biogeochemical cycles (e.g., nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification).

  • Role of microorganisms in cycles (e.g., nitrogen cycle bacteria).

  • Detailed study of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.

  • Human intervention and its effect on cycles (e.g., global warming, eutrophication).

  • Cycles' importance in sustaining life and ecosystems.

4%

Paramedical

  • Impact of biogeochemical cycles on human health and ecosystems.

  • Role of microbes in nitrogen and sulfur cycles.

  • Effect of disruptions in biogeochemical cycles on health and disease transmission.

  • Importance of biogeochemical cycles in maintaining ecological balance and preventing environmental degradation.

  • Human-induced changes in biogeochemical cycles and their ecological consequences.

3%


Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Biogeochemical Cycle

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Biogeochemical Cycle are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

Types of Biogeochemical Cycles
"GS: Gaseous, Sedimentary"
G: Gaseous cycles (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water cycles)
S: Sedimentary cycles (phosphorus, sulfur, rock cycle)

Water Cycle Stages
"ECPI: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Infiltration"
E: Evaporation (water turns into vapor)
C: Condensation (vapor turns into clouds)
P: Precipitation (rainfall, snowfall)
I: Infiltration (water seeps into the ground)

Nitrogen Cycle Stages
"FANAD: Fixation, Assimilation, Nitrification, Ammonification, Denitrification"
F: Fixation (conversion of nitrogen gas to ammonia)
A: Assimilation (plants absorb nitrogen)
N: Nitrification (ammonia to nitrate)
A: Ammonification (release of ammonia from dead matter)
D: Denitrification (nitrate to nitrogen gas)

Carbon Cycle Stages
"PPP: Photosynthesis, Plants, Pollution"
P: Photosynthesis (plants absorb carbon)
P: Plants consumed by animals (carbon enters the food chain)
P: Pollution from fossil fuels (carbon returns to the atmosphere)

Phosphorus Cycle
"WARP: Weathering, Absorption, Return, Phosphate"
W: Weathering (rocks release phosphorus)
A: Absorption (plants absorb phosphorus)
R: Return (phosphorus returns to soil through decay)
P: Phosphate (phosphate fertilizers for plants)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What role do microorganisms play in the nitrogen cycle?
Microorganisms are essential in the nitrogen cycle, performing key processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms plants can use, while other bacteria transform nitrogen compounds in the soil. Without these microorganisms, the nitrogen cycle would be severely disrupted, affecting plant growth and ecosystem health.
2. What is the role of decomposers in biogeochemical cycles?
Decomposers, primarily bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles by:
3. How does ocean acidification relate to the carbon cycle?
Ocean acidification is closely linked to the carbon cycle:
4. What is the significance of the sulfur cycle in acid rain formation?
The sulfur cycle is significant in acid rain formation because:
5. How do extreme weather events affect biogeochemical cycles?
Extreme weather events impact biogeochemical cycles by:
6. What are biogeochemical cycles and why are they important?
Biogeochemical cycles are the pathways through which essential elements and compounds move through the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of Earth's ecosystems. They are crucial because they enable the recycling and reuse of limited resources, maintain the balance of ecosystems, and support life on Earth by ensuring the availability of essential nutrients and compounds.
7. How does the carbon cycle impact climate change?
The carbon cycle significantly impacts climate change because it regulates the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation increase atmospheric CO2, trapping heat and leading to global warming. Understanding the carbon cycle is crucial for addressing climate change and developing mitigation strategies.
8. What is the difference between the fast and slow carbon cycles?
The fast carbon cycle involves relatively rapid exchanges of carbon between the atmosphere, biosphere, and upper ocean, occurring over days to years. Examples include photosynthesis, respiration, and ocean-atmosphere gas exchange. The slow carbon cycle involves geological processes like rock weathering, fossil fuel formation, and plate tectonics, occurring over thousands to millions of years. Understanding both cycles is crucial for comprehending climate change and carbon sequestration.
9. What is the role of photosynthesis in biogeochemical cycles?
Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, particularly the carbon and oxygen cycles. It removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into organic compounds, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process not only supports life by producing food and oxygen but also helps regulate atmospheric composition and climate.
10. How do volcanic eruptions affect biogeochemical cycles?
Volcanic eruptions impact biogeochemical cycles by:
11. How does phosphorus differ from other biogeochemical cycles?
The phosphorus cycle is unique because it lacks a significant atmospheric component, unlike cycles for carbon, nitrogen, and water. Phosphorus primarily moves between land and water ecosystems, and its cycle is considered a sedimentary cycle. This makes phosphorus a limiting nutrient in many ecosystems, as its availability depends on geological processes and weathering of rocks.
12. How does deforestation impact multiple biogeochemical cycles?
Deforestation affects several biogeochemical cycles:
13. What is eutrophication, and how does it relate to nutrient cycles?
Eutrophication is the excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. It relates to nutrient cycles because it occurs when these cycles are disrupted, often due to human activities like agricultural runoff or sewage discharge. Eutrophication can lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecosystem degradation in aquatic environments.
14. How do human activities affect the water cycle?
Human activities impact the water cycle in various ways, including:
15. What is the role of wetlands in biogeochemical cycling?
Wetlands play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycling:
16. What is the role of the phosphorus cycle in limiting primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems?
The phosphorus cycle plays a crucial role in limiting primary productivity in many aquatic ecosystems:
17. How do ocean currents influence global nutrient distribution?
Ocean currents play a vital role in distributing nutrients globally by:
18. What is the role of permafrost in global carbon cycling?
Permafrost plays a significant role in global carbon cycling:
19. How do agricultural practices impact nutrient cycles?
Agricultural practices significantly impact nutrient cycles:
20. How do invasive species affect local biogeochemical cycles?
Invasive species can significantly impact local biogeochemical cycles by:
21. How do biogeochemical cycles interact with each other?
Biogeochemical cycles are interconnected and interact in various ways:
22. What is the significance of microbial mats in extreme environments for biogeochemical cycling?
Microbial mats in extreme environments are significant for biogeochemical cycling because:
23. How does the iron cycle influence marine productivity?
The iron cycle significantly influences marine productivity:
24. What is the role of fire in biogeochemical cycling?
Fire plays a significant role in biogeochemical cycling:
25. How do deep-sea hydrothermal vents contribute to global biogeochemical cycles?
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents contribute to global biogeochemical cycles by:
26. How do plants adapt to nutrient-poor environments?
Plants in nutrient-poor environments have developed various adaptations:
27. What is the role of the mercury cycle in environmental toxicology?
The mercury cycle is significant in environmental toxicology because:
28. What is the importance of the rock cycle in long-term nutrient availability?
The rock cycle is crucial for long-term nutrient availability because:
29. What is the importance of the ozone cycle in Earth's atmosphere?
The ozone cycle is crucial for life on Earth because:
30. What is the significance of the silicon cycle in marine ecosystems?
The silicon cycle is significant in marine ecosystems because:
31. How do biogeochemical cycles influence the Earth's energy balance?
Biogeochemical cycles influence Earth's energy balance by:
32. What is the role of mangrove ecosystems in coastal biogeochemical cycling?
Mangrove ecosystems play crucial roles in coastal biogeochemical cycling:
33. How do glaciers and ice sheets affect global biogeochemical cycles?
Glaciers and ice sheets affect global biogeochemical cycles by:
34. What is the importance of symbiotic relationships in nutrient cycling?
Symbiotic relationships are important in nutrient cycling because:
35. How do urban environments alter local biogeochemical cycles?
Urban environments alter local biogeochemical cycles by:
36. How do coral reefs contribute to marine biogeochemical cycles?
Coral reefs contribute to

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Biogeochemical Cycles: Detailed Overview, Environmental Science

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