Ecosystems Cycles

Ecosystem Cycles

Ecosystem cycles, also known as biogeochemical cycles, are crucial for maintaining balance and life within ecosystems. These cycles involve the transformation, transfer, and recycling of matter and nutrients. They can be divided into global cycles (those that occur all around the Earth, like the water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle) and local cycles (those that occur at smaller scales or within specific ecosystems).

The Water Cycle

The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.
Water from the land and seas evaporates and forms water vapour which rises into the atmosphere. This evaporation process is enhanced by transpiration from plants.
The water vapour cools as it rises and condenses to form clouds in a process called condensation.
When the water droplets in the clouds become too large, they fall to the Earth as precipitation (rain, snow, hail, or sleet).
This water then goes back into the land and seas, or it is taken up by plants, and the cycle begins anew.

The Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
Living organisms take up carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release it during respiration, contributing to the cycling of carbon.
When plants and animals die, they decompose, returning carbon to the soil.
Fossil fuels, formed from the remains of ancient organisms, store carbon underground. When these fuels are burnt, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere.

The Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.
Atmospheric nitrogen is ‘fixed’ into ammonia by bacteria in a process called nitrogen fixation.
This ammonia is then converted into nitrates that can be used by plants.
Animals consume plants and assimilate the nitrogen into their own tissues.
Decomposers break down dead organisms and animal wastes, converting the nitrogen in them back into atmospheric nitrogen.

Human Impact on Ecosystem Cycles

Human activities can severely disrupt ecosystem cycles.
Excessive water usage, pollution, and climate change can affect the water cycle.
Deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels can lead to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, disrupting the carbon cycle.
The excessive use of nitrogen-rich fertilisers can lead to an increase in nitrogen in water bodies, causing eutrophication and impacting the nitrogen cycle.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices aim to reduce the human impact on ecosystem cycles.
These practices may include reducing water usage, minimising pollution, protecting forests, reducing fossil fuel usage, and using fertilisers more responsibly.
Understanding and respecting the delicate balance of these cycles is crucial for the future of our ecosystems.