Biogeochemical Cycles - AP® Environmental Science Definition

What does the term biogeochemical cycle mean?

In In AP® Environmental Science, biogeochemical cycles are the natural ways that essential chemicals and elements like carbon, nitrogen, water, and phosphorus move between the Earth's spheres, which are the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere.

Why are biogeochemical cycles important?

Understanding these cycles is important for understanding how:

• Ecosystems function and maintain balance.

• Human activities can impact these processes.

Examples of biogeochemical cycles

These cycles include biological, geological, and chemical processes.

• Chemical processes such as the carbon and nitrogen cycles.

• Biological processes, like photosynthesis and respiration, within energy cycling.

• Geological processes, like soil weathering and sedimentation.

This makes it possible for the Earth to keep using and recycling important nutrients and elements.

Biogeochemical Cycle Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Save My Exams has a great range of resources to explore the topic of biogeochemical cycles in more detail and master other key related terms and concepts, such as the phosphorus cycle, the hydrologic (water) cycle, and energy transfers within ecosystems.

Explore all our College Board AP® Environmental Science Study Guides 2020 resources.