Question

Sedimentary cycle having a small gaseous component is found in
A) Phosphorus
B) Nitrogen
C) Carbon
D) Sulphur

Answer 1

Sedimentary cycle includes weathering of rocks and then erosion of minerals from it following by transport and deposition of the minerals and finally burial.

Complete Answer:
Before we find out the correct answer, let us look into biogeochemical cycles. The movement of nutrients, minerals and other elements between the biotic and abiotic factors present in the environment is known as biogeochemical cycles.
There are two types of biogeochemical cycles,
->Sedimentary cycle
->Gaseous cycle

Option A and C: Elements such as carbon and nitrogen belong to the gaseous cycle and not sedimentary cycle. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Phosphorus is included in the sedimentary cycle but it is circulated between the abiotic and biotic factors in a non-gaseous form. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D : The sedimentary cycle includes weathering of an existing rock which is followed by erosion, transport and deposition of the minerals. Sedimentary cycles having a small gaseous component are found in sulphur and phosphorus. Therefore, this is the correct option. The sulphur cycle has both gaseous and sedimentary phases.
Sedimentary cycle also includes iron and calcium cycles.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) Sulphur.

Note: The gaseous cycle includes four types of cycles,
->Water cycle - It is responsible for maintenance of weather conditions and happens via the process of evaporation and condensation
->Nitrogen cycle - In this cycle, atmospheric nitrogen is converted to other forms like ammonia, nitrous oxide, etc in order to be used by the plants
->Carbon cycle - In this cycle, the carbon is exchanged among the different layers present in earth
->Oxygen cycle - This cycle is present in atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere and includes release of oxygen via photosynthesis and exhaling of carbon dioxide by humans and animals