What are biogeochemical cycles?

Biogeochemical cycles refer to the natural processes that involve the recycling of essential nutrients through ecosystems. These cycles encompass various elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and water, and illustrate how these elements move through the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The cycling ensures that organisms have access to necessary nutrients, which are crucial for life processes, growth, and development.

The focus of biogeochemical cycles is on the chemical elements and compounds and how they are exchanged among living organisms and the environment. For instance, in the carbon cycle, carbon dioxide is taken up by plants during photosynthesis and returned to the atmosphere through respiration and decomposition. This continuous recycling of nutrients maintains ecosystem balance and supports life.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects unrelated to nutrient recycling. Weather patterns and solar energy absorption do not pertain to the movement and recycling of nutrients—elements central to biogeochemical cycles.