UPSC 2021EnvironmentModerate

In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?

A
Carbon cycle
B
Nitrogen cycle
C
Phosphorus cycle
Correct Answer
D
Sulphur cycle

Explanation

The Phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary cycle where the primary reservoir is the Earth's crust, and weathering of phosphate-rich rocks is the fundamental process that releases nutrients into the soil and water. While the Sulphur cycle also involves a sedimentary phase, it is considered a hybrid cycle because it has a significant gaseous component (e.g., $SO_2$ from volcanoes), whereas Phosphorus lacks a prominent atmospheric phase. This question tests the classification of biogeochemical cycles into gaseous and sedimentary types based on their primary reservoir.

Biogeochemical CyclesPhosphorus Cycle (Weathering Source)Biogeochemical cyclesweathering of rocksnutrient releaseCarbon cycleNitrogen cyclePhosphorus cycleSulphur cycle

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