Question

In biogeochemical cycles, mineral cycles are:

• A. Gaseous cycle
• B. Hydrocycle
• C. Carbon cycle
• D. Sedimentary cycle

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sedimentary cycle

Mineral salts come directly from earth crust by weathering. Soluble salts then enter the water cycle. By movement of water minerals move from the soil to streams, lakes and ultimately to sea where they remain permanently. Other salts return to the earth’s crust through sedimentation. They become incorporated into sediments or rock beds and after weathering of rocks they again enter the cycle. Plants and some animals take minerals in the form of mineral solution from their habitats. After the death of living organisms the nutrients return to the soil. Mineral cycles do not have a gaseous component and hence belong to the calss of sedimentary cycles. Gaseous cycles like the carbon cycle have an atmospheric phase, because carbon is stored in the atmosphere as Carbon dioxide gas.