Download - Earth’S Cycles
Water Cycle
Describes the continuous movement of water on Earth
Repeating Cycle (4 steps)1. Evaporation – Water leaves the surface
Mostly the ocean surfaceLakes/streams/snow melt…Plants/animals
Water Cycle
2. CondensationWater gas cools to form liquid (cloud)
3. PrecipitationWater starts to fall back to Earth
Rain, snow, sleet, hail…4. Run off
Water returns to ocean*Most water is found in the ocean*
Carbon Cycle1. Carbon taken from air by plants
Used for growth to make sugarsMost is used by small ocean plants (plankton)
2. Carbon released into airAnimals digest sugars and release carbon to airDecomposers release carbonBurning of plant material (wood, gasoline…)Volcanic activity
*Most carbon is found in Earth plants/soil/ocean*
Carbon Cycle Effect
Green House EffectWater, CO2, other gases trap heat
Required to prevent water from freezing
Carbon Cycle Problem
Global WarmingOverheating from increased CO2
Concern is that rising ocean temp will change entire world climate
Some places wetter, some drierMelting glacier = rising sea level
Nitrogen CycleSpecial bacteria in soil trap
nitrogen in soil“Nitrogen Fixation”- Key chemical needed to make DNA- Also key component in explosives
Decomposers release nitrogen back to air*Most Nitrogen is found in atmosphere*