NUTRIENT CYCLES

The Earth as a self contained system (powered by solar and geothermal energy)

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Cycles of matter

All the carbon on Earth was formed in a young star

Only a thermonuclear reaction or high energy radiation can produce new atoms

Essentially all the atoms on Earth will stay the same for the life of our planet

However they can be recycled, combining in different ways with other atoms

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

The Carbon cycle in the biosphere

PLANTS

CO2 gas

respiration

combustion

photosynthesis

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Adding in the consumers

DECOMPOSERS

ANIMALS

feeding

PLANTS

CO2 gas

respirationphotosynthesis

feeding

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Fossil fuels

FOSSILS

DECOMPOSERS

PLANTS

ANIMALS

CO2 gas

respirationphotosynthesis

combustion

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Wheels within wheels

carbonates

HYDROGEN CARBONATES in

solution

CO2 gas

Out gassing

dissolving

FOSSILS

ANIMALS

respirationphotosynthesis

feeding

combustion

feedingDECOMPOSERS

PLANTS

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

carbonates

FOSSILS

HYDROGEN CARBONATES in

solution

PLANTS

ANIMALS

CO2 gas

DECOMPOSERS

By the numbers

40 000 Gt

Soil =1600 Gt

750 Gt (370ppm or 0.04%)

100 000 000 Gt

4000 Gt

580 Gt

1Gt = 109 tonnesppm = parts per million

© 2007 Paul Billiet ODWS