Reading for Translating

Biosphere Cycles

The spheres of the biosphere are connected to each other at a variety of interfaces. The geological process of volcanism transfers water from the lithosphere to the atmosphere, where it precipitates into the hydrosphere. The interface between water and air likewise allows to transfer material from one sphere to another.

Biochemical cycles

More than thirty chemical elements are cycled through the environment by biochemical cycles. There are six important biochemical cycles that transport carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous. Recall that these six elements comprise the bulk of atoms in living things.

The hydrologic (water) cycle

Saltwater evaporates from sun’s energy producing fresh water in clouds, leaving salt in the oceans. Water vapor cools and condenses to precipitation over oceans and land. Runoff forms freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, groundwater, and is held in plants and transpired. Some water infiltrates the ground, becoming part of the groundwater, returning very slowly to the oceans. Although the water cycle shows water to be a renewable resource, only about 3% of that water is fresh and suitable for human use. Water may be polluted or inadequate for human populations.