1. Global Cycles

Elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen are recycled through abiotic environments which include the atmosphere, water and soil, which the atmosphere being the main abiotic environment where these elements are harvested. Hence, their cycles are of a global nature.

2. Local Cycles

These elements may then travel over long distances before they are being taken up by biological organisms. In the recycling of elements such as phosphorus, calcium and potassium, the soil is the main abiotic environment and thus their movement is usually over a local region.

 

3. More about Biogeochemical Cycles:

Every element has its biogeochemical cycle and every cycle has an unique pathway that includes reservoirs, exchange pools and resident times.

Reservoir – A region where the element is in its highest concentration, and is held and stored for some time. [For example coal or fossil fuels are reservoirs for carbon.]

Exchange pools – When elements are held for short periods of time. [Examples include plants and animals which use these elements in their systems temporarily and release them back into the environment.]

Resident time – The amount of time that an element is held in a place.