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How do key elements move around our ecosystems?
Understanding why geological histories matter to political realities requires knowledge of the Earth-life system. This session reviews biogeochemical cycles: processes through which elements and compounds like nitrogen, water, and carbon move around and influence the planet.
Biogeochemical Cycles
There is very, very little in nature that is ever truly destroyed - rather, it is transformed and/or transported. Biogeochemical cycles, also known as nutrient cycles, explain how some of our basic building blocks circulate around the planet. Explore the resources in this Encyclopaedia Britannica article about key processes in earth science.
The Water Cycle
Most of us will remember “precipitation, condensation, evaporation” as a mantra from our early schooldays. Review how water moves around the Earth through the resources below from the Met Office - the UK’s national weather service.
The Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is perhaps one of the least well-known or most overlooked of the biogeochemical cycles - but it is critical to life on Earth, and especially relevant to courses examining agricultural policy. Watch this video about nitrogen’s significance; you can also read more here.
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon has taken centre stage in recent years, as a primary actor in climate change. The circulation of carbon is just as important as water, oxygen, and nitrogen...but human activity is disrupting this particular nutrient cycle to an unprecedented degree. Watch the video from The Economist to learn more.
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