luonnonkierto

Luonnonkierto, often translated as the "cycle of nature" or "natural cycle," refers to the continuous movement of matter and energy through the Earth's ecosystems. This encompasses a wide range of interconnected processes that sustain life and maintain the balance of the planet. Key examples include the water cycle, where water evaporates, condenses, and precipitates, circulating between oceans, atmosphere, and land. Another fundamental cycle is the carbon cycle, which involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, and this carbon is then transferred through food webs and eventually returned to the atmosphere through respiration or decomposition. The nitrogen cycle is crucial for plant growth, as nitrogen is converted between atmospheric nitrogen gas, ammonia, nitrates, and organic compounds. Similarly, the phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms. These cycles are driven by solar energy and biological processes, and they ensure that essential elements are constantly recycled and available for life. Disruptions to these natural cycles, often caused by human activities, can have significant environmental consequences.