Evolution of Biogeochemical Cycles

We have discussed various theories of life origin in the Earth, however, irrespective of its origin, the advent of life contribnted significant alterations to existing prebiotic geochemical cycles. Aside from the colonization of terrestrial surfaces, perhaps the most important changes happened as a result of evolution of oxygenie photosynthesis and respiration. 

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In subsequent sections of this book, the evolution of biogeochemical cycles is discussed against the background of the questions posed above. The Earth s chemical composition formation presented to the reader mainly through analysis of the origin of... 

Describe the evolution of biogeochemical cycles. What was the trigger in the drastic changes of element cycling during early Earth history ... 

In this chapter we consider the development and evolution of modem biosphere during its geological history. The reader will find a brief description of the formation of the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere and their chemical composition. Creation and evolution of the biogeochemical structure of the biosphere and hydrosphere is also a subject of discussion. Finally, we show the role of biogeochemical cycles in formation of biogenic depositions (oil and gas). 

Quaternary 3Ma Repeated glaciations. North and South America join extinctions of large mammals, evolution of Homo rise of civilizations, human modifications of biogeochemical cycles... 

In recent decades, humans have become a very important force in the earth system, demonstrating that emissions and land use change are the cause of many of our environmental issues. These emissions are responsible for the major global reorganizations of biogeochemical cycles. With humans as part of nature and the evolution of a man-made changed earth s system, we also have to accept that we are unable to remove the present system into a preindustrial or even prehuman state because this means disestablishing humans. The key question is which parameters of the... 

The evolution of life on Earfh has depended on a sustained supply of nutrients provided by the physical environment. Life, in turn, has profoundly influenced the availability and cycling of these nutrients hence the inclusion of bio in biogeochemical cycles. The involvement of the biosphere with biogeochemical cycles has been determined by the evolution of life s biochemical properties in the context of the physical and chemical properties of planet Earth. 

Schetagne R, Verdon R. 1999. Post-impoundment evolution of fish mercury levels at the La Grande complex, Quebec, Canada (from 1978 to 1996). In Lucotte M, Schetagne R, Therien N, Langlois C, Tremblay A, editors. Mercury in the biogeochemical cycle. Berlin, Germany Springer, p. 235-258. 

Canheld D. E. and Raiswell R. (1999) The evolution of the sulfur cycle. American Journal of Science, Special Issue Biogeochemical Cycles and their Evolution over Geologic Time A tribute to the Career of Robert A. Berner 299(7-9), 697-723. 

Des Marais D. J. (2001) Isotopic evolution of the biogeochemical carbon cycle during the Precambrian. Rev. Mineral. Geochem. 43, 555-578. 

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