ENV100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Hurricane Katrina, Phosphorus Cycle, Sea Spray

• School: UTSG
• Department: School of Environment
• Course: ENV100H1
• Professor: Barbara Murck

Document Summary

The phosphorus cycle circulates a key plant nutrient. Phosphorus key component of cell membranes and several molecules vital for life: most is contained in rocks and mobilized by weathering, releasing phosphate ions into water. Since most in rocks, environmental concentrations tend to be very low: plants can only take it through roots when dissolved in water. Decomposers break down and return phosphorus to the soil. Phosphorus cycle: no appreciable atmospheric component, aside from tiny amounts of windblown dust and sea spray, human influence. Boosts algal growth in waterways and causes eutrophication. Lake eries: 1970s began to show hypoxic signs, phosphate runoff, 1990s signs of eutrophication and hypoxia, returning to pre 1990s condition will require reducing phosphate loading in runoff by at least 46% The science behind the story: the gulf of mexico"s dead zone . Disasters life deepwater horizon and hurricane katrina and rita just worsened a long decline that was underway.