Question

which of the following are biogeochemical cycles that rely on the water cycle for dissolving and transporting? select all that apply.

hydrologic cycle

carbon cycle

nitrogen cycle

phosphorous cycle

rock cycle

Explanation:

• The hydrologic cycle is the water cycle itself, so it doesn't rely on itself in the way the question implies.
• The carbon cycle: Carbon compounds can be dissolved in water (e.g., carbon dioxide in water as carbonic acid) and transported through water bodies (rivers, oceans).
• The nitrogen cycle: Nitrogen - containing compounds (such as nitrates) can be dissolved in water and transported. For example, runoff can carry nitrates from soil to water bodies.
• The phosphorous cycle: Phosphates can be dissolved in water (to a certain extent) and transported, especially in aquatic ecosystems.
• The rock cycle: While water can weather rocks (a part of the rock cycle), the rock cycle is more about the transformation of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) through processes like melting, cooling, sedimentation etc. rather than relying on the water cycle for dissolving and transporting in the same biochemical - nutrient - transport sense as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous.

Answer:

carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorous cycle