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Chapter Summary
The most critical environmental challenges facing the Earth, such as global warming, acid deposition, and the spread of dead zones in the ocean, result from cycle disturbance. This chapter explains the nature of matter and how the law of conservation of matter helps us to understand how matter is transformed. Key nutrients are examined as we explore the biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur. The hydrological cycle is also examined with an emphasis on the importance of groundwater resources. Human impacts on each of these cycles are covered, with particular attention to eutrophication and acid deposition. Finally, the environmental consequences of human actions on these cycles are examined, highlighting a few of the important ways you can be a part of the effort to mitigate these changes.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- Describe the nature of matter
- Explain why human intervention in biogeochemical cycles is a fundamental factor behind many environmental issues
- Describe the main components and pathways of the phosphorus, nitrogen, sulphur, and carbon cycles
- Outline the main components of the hydrological cycle and explain the nature of human intervention in the cycle
- Identify and discuss the causes, effects, and management approaches relating to eutrophication and acid deposition