Question

What are the different types of biogeochemical cycles?

Answer 1

Biogeochemical cycles:

The pathways through which elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and potassium move from the environment to living organisms and get back to the environment are termed biogeochemical pathways.

Types of the biogeochemical cycle:

There are two types of biogeochemical cycles:

1. Gaseous Cycles

• In these cycles, the reservoir for the nutrient elements is present in the atmosphere or hydrosphere.
• These cycles are quick and perfect as the flow of nutrient elements is uniform.
• The most abundant elements found in living organisms are Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Hydrogen have gaseous cycles.

2. Sedimentary Cycles :

• In these cycles, the reservoir for the nutrient elements is present in the sediments of the earth.
• These cycles are slow and less perfect as their elements get locked in the reservoir pool and go out of circulation for a long period.
• The Elements such as Sulphur, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Calcium have sedimentary cycles.