Biogeochemical Cycles Examples

Biogeochemical Cycles Examples Biogeochemical Cycles The planet functions under the strictures of the law of conservation of matter, which basically says that matter on Earth cannot be created or destroyed, but only transferred. Therefore, the planet's biogeochemical cycles are the mechanisms that cause the transfer of matter. The only exception to this introduction of new matter into the planet's closed system is in meteors, solar radiation, and other forms of debris from space that occasionally become incorporated into the planet's matter. Otherwise, all matter on Earth is simply moved and transformed, but is not created and is not wholly destroyed into nonexistence. The term "biogeochemical cycle" comes from the biological, geological, and chemical processes that cause this transfer of matter to occur. Since these different cycles are naturally occurring, for the most part, they've long been considered natural cycles. Humans have had tremendous impact on the planet's biogeochemical cycles, largely for harm. Artificial processes such as the synthesis of phosphorous into fertilizer that is then introduced into the soil have shifted some of the balance that these cycles already regulate. Examples of Biogeochemical Cycles: 1. Carbon cycle - Carbon is arguably one of the most important elements on Earth, and is necessary for life. The carbon cycle describes the process by which organisms decay into the ground, returning carbon to the soil, which then becomes bottom-layer food sources in the food chain. 2. Oxygen cycle - This cycle describes the transfer of oxygen between the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, specifically in the use of oxygen by living beings in the biosphere drawn from the atmosphere, and the release of oxygen through photosynthesis. 3. Water cycle - This important biogeochemical cycle is so vital to sustainability that it is taught to students even in early elementary school. This cycle describes the accumulation of water on Earth, notably in lakes, oceans, and rivers, then the evaporation of water and the condensation of the water into clouds where it precipitates back into the bodies of water and the ground water supply. 4. Sedimentary cycles - While the previous examples were part of the gaseous cycles, the sedimentary cycles are more concerned with how elements are leeched out of the soil and rock layers, largely through the movement of water on the planet. Some of these elements are phosphorous and sulfur, but other elements accumulate or disperse in different places due to the movement of water through the water cycle or through rivers and erosion.

Asian naturalism Essay - 550 Words

Asian naturalism (Essay Sample) Content: Asian NaturalismNameClassAffiliationInstructorDateIn his article Asian Naturalism: An Old Vision for a New World, Hee-Sung Keel hypothesizes that Asian naturalism is significantly different from the western naturalism which was conceived on the basis of dual origin. The main differences are pronounced by the divergent views in which the Asians and the westerners viewed the world. In contrast to the western naturalism which was founded on a dual origin platform, Asian naturalism did not have any idea of divine revelation which made it possible for there not to be a split between revelation and logic. In addition, it is contrasted from the western ideology ideally because of its organic view of the world. This makes Asian naturalism a spiritual affair.According to Hee-sung keel, the main differences between western naturalism and Asian naturalism are pronounced depending on how each view the world and nature in general. For instance, western naturalism viewed the world at large as passive and an object which they can understand thoroughly by the human mind. Asian naturalism, on the other hand, viewed the world as a creative and dynamic object that that carried numerous messages which were available for the people to read and learn. The Asian naturalism tended to look no further in nature. They regarded nature as something that had its own power and principle and thus they did not expound further on it. With this respect, unlike the Western naturalism, Asian naturalism did not concern itself with cosmic intelligence. It held that the world was in itself self regulating. However, the main aspect that sets Asian naturalism apart is that it sort its solutions and ideas from nature to explain various events.Some of the aspects that characterise Asian naturalism includes; Heaven, Dao and the emptiness. The Dao distinguished the asian naturalism from the western naturalism in that it enabled subscribers of Asian naturalism to view nature and the world in general as unpredictable. Every event was explained in the lenses of Dao which was mysterious, unpredictable and spontaneous. Therefore, among the Asian naturalists the world did not contain any mathematical order, rather it was a manifestation of Dao.Like Dao, the concept of heaven which is synonymous with Asian naturalism sheds more light in how the Asian naturalism viewed the world. Like Dao, heaven was infinite, numerous objects with their proper nature originated there and returned when their time was right. One aspect that regularly emerges is even though there are minute differences between the Confucians and Daoists, they both acknowledge heaven and Dao as platforms beyond human imagination. The theme of heaven is further encapsulated by the teachings of Haeweol, who insisted that everything used the energy that came from the heavens and thus everything irrespective of w...