Download The Biosphere - kss senior science

What is the Biosphere
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The Earth is
wrapped in 4
overlapping layers
1) Lithosphere
2) Hydrosphere
3) Atmosphere
4) Biosphere
What is the Biosphere
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The biosphere is the
layer of life. It is the
entire system of
living organisms and
their habitats. All
forms of life in the
outer 3 layers
around the Earth are
also part of the
biosphere.
Cycles of matter
Unlike energy, matter is constantly
being recycled in an ecosystem.
 Known as biogeochemical cycles. A
biogeochemical cycle is a set of
processes by which an element
passes from one environment to the
next and eventually returns to its
original environment in an infinite loop
of recycling.
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REVIEW – HYDROLOCIGAL CYCLE
Transpiration
The release of water from the leaves
of plants.
 Water is exchanged through a plant’s
stomata.
 Evaporation is the second process that
releases water into the atmosphere.
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Carbon Cycle
Biological processes involving all exchanges
of carbon on Earth.
Processes include: photosynthesis,
ingestion,respiration, decomposition, forest
fires, shells and skeletons, carbonate rock,
volcanoes, fossil fuels)
Human activity (factories, deforestation, car
exhaust) have upset the natural balance of the
carbon cycle, esp. since the beginning of the
industrial era. Also, increase methane from
decomposition of animal waste also have
disrupted the balance of the cycle.
CARBON CYCLE “SIMPLIFIED”
Nitrogen Cycle
All organisms need nitrogen to live mostly to
manufacture proteins and DNA.
The nitrogen cycle involving all the exchanges
of nitrogen on Earth.
Processes include: Nitrogen fixation,
nitrification, nitrogen absorption, decomposition
of waste, denitrification.
Most abundant gas in atmosphere ~78%
however, living organisms cannot use N2 it must
be “fixed” or changed into ammonia,
ammonium, nitrate or nitrite form by bacteria in
the soil.
Nitrogen Cycle
Human activities have impacted the cycle with
fertilizers being added to improve productivity of
soil, discharged as waste water from factories.
Nitrogen surpluses alter the soil balance and in
the long term interfere with plant growth.