Earth's Biogeochemical Cycles

         When researchers study the biogeochemical cycles, they combine them or "couple" them to "each other and to Earth's physical features."  This is because one cycle can't exist without the other.  For example, the Nitrogen cycle can't exist without the Carbon cycle, Hydrogen cycle, or Oxygen cycle.  It is now more important than ever to study these cycles together instead of separately because global warming is making these cycles fall out of sync with each other.  Researcher Jon Cole said that knowledge about coupled biogeochemical cycles is "essential to addressing a range of human impacts."  Studying these cycles together is also more important because "it will shed light on questions such as the success of wetland restoration and the status of aquatic food webs."  Earth counts on these biogeochemical cycles to keep the balance between all of the different climates and habitats.  Again Cole states that, "seemingly subtle chemical changes may have large effects."  If we don't study these cycles together and in relation to each other, then we may miss the chance to help maintain the balance between the cycles.