Life and Climate  Concepts

Water and Carbon Cycles

The ocean, the atmosphere, and the biosphere are intimately coupled with the global water cycle. The biosphere encompasses the entire part of the Earth that supports life. Essentially, plants in the biosphere convert solar energy into organic matter via photosynthesis of carbon dioxide and water with a release of oxygen. Over time and space, the carbon cycle and the water cycle link the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere together in our global climate system.

The Water Cycle
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the circulation of water between the ocean and other aquatic areas to the atmosphere and land. Water is the only substance that exists naturally in all three phases: gas, solid, and liquid. Changing from one phase to another, such as from a liquid to a gas, is an important means of transferring energy in the atmosphere. Even though water vapor accounts for a small portion of the atmosphere, it's contribution to weather and climate is huge because it essentially fuels (or limits) all atmospheric processes.