Cycles and Spheres

Troposphere

0-17 km above Earth's surface, site of weather, organisms, contains most atmospheric water vapor. (temperature decreases with increasing altitude, pressure decreases)

1.The layers of the atmosphere are determined by changes in temperature. (T-F) (3.1)

1.True

Stratosphere

2nd layer of atmosphere; extends from 10 to 30 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation; temperature increases with altitude increase.

Lithosphere

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

Hydrosphere

All the water on our planet (Oceans, Rivers, Polar Ice Caps, Ground Water); 71% of our planet

Rock Cycle

An idealized cycle of processes undergone by rocks in the earth's crust, involving igneous intrusion, uplift, erosion, transportation, deposition as sedimentary rock, metamorphism, remitting, and further igneous intrusion.

nitrogen

An important element (type of atom) needed by living things. Nitrogen gas makes up ~3/4 of the atmosphere and it is colorless and has no smell.

What role do animals play in the nitrogen cycle?

Animals obtain nitrogen from the plants they eat, and return the nitrogen to the soil through waste or when their bodies decompose.

The root meaning of this sphere is "vapor". This sphere of the Earth is made up of various gases and protects the Earth from harmful UV light from the Sun. (1.1)

Atmosphere

nitrogen fixing bacteria

Bacteria that can combine nitrogen with other elements so the nitrogen can be used by plants.

Which spheres are interacting? The groundhog is digging a hole in the forest for shelter.

Biosphere, Geosphere

The atmosphere is primarily made up of a mixture of gases including nitrogen, water vapor, oxygen and_________ (3.1)

Carbon Dioxide

Which spheres are interacting? The Volcano emitted a large amount of volcanic dust, causing a dark hazy fog.

Geosphere, Atmosphere

One source of carbon in the environment is by animals releasing or breathing out ________________.

carbon dioxide

This sphere of the Earth covers approximately 70% of the Earth as oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. (1.1)

Hydrosphere

Atmosphere

Layers of different mixtures of gases that surround the Earth.

The sphere of the Earth is comprised of the the Earth's solid surface. The root of this word means "Stone". (1.1)

Lithosphere

What is the significance of Lightening and bacteria in the Nitrogen cycle?

Nitrogen fixation can occur.

legumes

Plants (clover, soy, peanuts etc.) that have little nodules (bumps) on their roots to house nitrogen fixing bacteria. It's a symbiotic relationship - legumes provide the home, bacteria provide usable nitrogen to the plant.

How does photosynthesis in the biosphere affect the carbon cycle(atmosphere)?

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Geosphere

The mostly solid part of the earth. Extends from the core to the surface of the crust.

Water Cycle

The continual movement of water among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surface through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation

Carbon Cycle Carbon Dioxide/Oxygen Cycle CO2

The continuous process by which carbon is exchanged between organisms and the environment. Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere by plants and algae and converted to carbohydrates by photosynthesis; The cycle of carbon dioxide and oxygen transfer between plants and animals; Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in rainwater

Mesosphere

The layer of Earth's atmosphere immediately above the stratosphere

Carbon Cycle

The ongoing swapping of carbon among living and non-living things.

photosynthesis

The process by which a plant makes it food in the chloroplast by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose.

Define Transpiration

The release of moisture from plant leaves into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

The transfer of nitrogen from the atmosphere to the soil, to living organisms, and back to the atmosphere; nitrogen from the environment to build protein molecules which are later eaten by consumer

Thermosphere

The uppermost layer of the atmosphere, in which temperature increases as altitude increases

Biosphere (1.1)

This sphere of the Earth includes all life on Earth, plants and animals.

Anthrosphere (1.1)

This sphere of the Earth involves the unnatural influences Human beings have on our planet.

denitrification

When bacteria change fixed nitrogen back into gaseous nitrogen (N2) which goes back to the atmosphere.

decomposers

bacteria and fungi that break down dead or decaying material into simpler molecules

Which spheres are interacting? Our neighbor decided to water his grass to keep it healthy.

biosphere, Hydrosphere

combustion

burning

The process of burning fuel, such as oil and coal is ______________.

combustion

fossil fuels

gas, coal, oil. Carbon is trapped for many many years underground until it is mined and burned by humans.

nitrogen cycle

the movement of nitrogen from one place to another and back again. (Example - Atmosphere, Bacteria, Plant, Animal, Feces, Bacteria, Atmosphere)

The correct order of the layers of the atmosphere starting at Earth and going up are: (3.1)

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

define Condensation

when water loses energy it condenses to form water droplets, such as those that form clouds.