Question

Phosphorous cycle. Briefly discuss the main components of the ocean’s phosphorus cycle. Your answer should address, among others, the following points: why is phosphorous important, what organisms use it and for what purposes, what are the main processes and reactions P is involved in in the ocean, what are the main terms (i.e.fluxes) of P in the ocean’s P cycle, how do they affect the P distribution in the water (e.g. along the global section) etc.

Answer 1

Question

The main components of the ocean phosphorus cycle include

I. Tectonic uplift that decide the weathering of rock and stone.

II. Physical erosion and chemical weathering

III. Riverine transport of phosphorus to lakes and the ocean

IV. Phosphorus sedimentation

The phosphorus is important for the all living organism as its is an important component of DNA and RNA ( genetic material of living organism), ATP and NADPH. The phosphorus get into the water bodies like ocean by continental weathering. This phosphorus is taken by plants (phytoplankton) and converted to organic phosphate. Then plants are eaten by animals(zooplankton). When these animals die , the phosphorus is decomposed by decomposers and go into the rock.

Figure: Phosphorus cycle in ocean