What is a biogeochemical cycle?

Matter can neither be created, nor destroyed. This means that each atom has existed, in some form or another, since before earth was born and will remain long after the earth is gone. A biogeochemical cycle is a long name for the journey each of earth's atoms or molecules follow as it is cycled and recycled through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere of the earth.

Lithosphere - basically all nonliving solid: soil, rock, the earth's core and crust

Hydrosphere - all of earth's vast liquid water supply: rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater

Atmosphere - the mixture of gases that is held between earth surface and outer space, consisting of 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and 2% various gases such as CO₂ and water vapor

Biosphere - all living organisms from tiny phytoplankton to giant whales.

Why C, N, P, and H2O?

106C + 16N + P + H20 = LIFE!!!

Every element on the periodic table has a biogeochemical cycle. Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and water were chosen for this website because they make up the essential components of all living things. In general, the ratio of C:N:P is 106:16:1, and lots of water.

Phosphorus Cycle	Nitrogen Cycle
Hydrologic Cycle	Carbon Cycle