How are gaseous biogeochemical cycles different from sedimentary cycles?

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Diagram illustrating Earth's environmental spheres, with labeled sections showing the geosphere (land and crust), biosphere (living things), atmosphere (air), and hydrosphere (water), each extending vertically from the Earth's surface. — Biosphere Earth's environment includes the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere, and the biosphere.

Biogeochemical cycles are categorized based on the location of their primary reservoir, which dictates their speed and responsiveness to environmental changes.

Key Differences

Reservoir Location: In gaseous cycles, the primary reservoir is the atmosphere or the oceans. In contrast, sedimentary cycles have their reservoir in Earth’s crust.1
Rate of Movement: Gaseous cycles generally move more rapidly than sedimentary cycles. Because of their large atmospheric reservoirs, gaseous cycles can adjust more readily to changes within the biosphere.1
Cycle Phases: Sedimentary cycles are characterized by a solution phase, where weathering releases minerals as salts, and a rock phase, where these materials deposit as sediment.1

Examples of gaseous cycles include nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and water. Sedimentary cycles include iron, calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur.1