Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus
Byron Weber
Carbon Cycle
Definition - The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. Summary - The carbon cycle comprises a sequence of events that are key to making the Earth capable of sustaining life; it describes the movement of carbon as it is recycled and reused throughout the biosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
Definition - The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms. Summary - The majority of Earth's atmosphere is nitrogen, making it the largest pool of nitrogen.
Phosphorus Cycle
Definition - The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Summary - On the land, phosphorus gradually becomes less available to plants over thousands of years, because it is slowly lost in runoff.