Latitude Geography
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Biophysical Interactions that lead to diverse ecosystems

Ecosystems at Risk
vulnerability and resilience
IMPORTANCE OF ECOSYSTEMS
ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
NINGALOO REEF
BADU INTERTIDAL WETLANDS

The Biophysical Interaction Model

Ecosystems can be thought of as a set of interactions between the biotic and abiotic features. The biophysical Interaction model uses the interactions between the Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere to describe as ecosystem. When an ecosystem is described in this way, then an alteration (either human or natural) will alter the ecosystem. For example, if the amount of precipitation were increased due to climate change, then there may be more erosion of top soil leading to reduced fertility and an altered biosphere (Queensland Government, 2015). 

The variations in sunlight and heat, available water and available nutrients determine how quickly an ecosystem can grow which in turn affects how lush or dense an ecosystem's vegetation appears. The variations in these factors alter from location to location changing the abiotic character and producing different ecosystems. For this reason, the same biome may produce quite different ecosystems at two different locations. 

Insolation, altitude, aspect, parent material, ocean and atmospheric circulation patters are all highly variable and have significant impacts on the biophysical environment.

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Energy Cycling and Food Chains

All ecosystems cycle nutrient and energy through their food chains. For nearly all ecosystems, energy is taken from the sun and converted to sugars and proteins by autotrophs (producers). These sugars and proteins are eaten by heterotrophs (consumers). When plants and animals die they are broken down by decomposers. Energy is lost as heath, movement and waste at each trophic level and so there is less biomass at each higher level. This is why there are fewer apex predators, such as lions than secondary consumers, such as zebras. 

The removal of a species or trophic level can cause disruption in ecosystems, sometimes referred to as a trophic cascade. The best example of this has been the removal and reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. 
Picture

Nutrient Cycling

Just as energy flows through an ecosystem, various nutrients also flow through ecosystems. These are known as nutrient cycles. Water, Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorous all form nutrient cycles with sources and sinks. Most ecosystems are also limited in their growth by the abundance of one or more of these nutrients. 

Conversely however, the addition of these nutrients into ecosystems in the form of fertiliser, sewerage or other pollutants can have a highly detrimental effect. Algal blooms often result from excess nutrients as it is able to quickly multiply to take advantage of the change in abiotic conditions. This rapid algal growth will result in eutrophication and deoxygenation if enough polluting nutrient is added. 

Further Reading

Salinity and Water Quality 
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  • Home
    • Preliminary Geography >
      • Stage 6 Geography Bridging Course
      • Biophysical Interactions
      • Senior Geography Project
      • Global Challenges
    • HSC Geography >
      • Ecosystems at Risk >
        • Kosciuszko Alpine Ecosystem
        • Great Barrier Reef
      • People and Economic Activity
      • Urban Places
    • IB Geography >
      • IB Core Topics >
        • Changing Populations
        • Global climate
        • Resources
      • Optional Themes >
        • Oceans and their coastal margins
        • Extreme environments
        • Leisure, sport and tourism
        • Food and health
        • Urban Environments >
          • The variety or urban environments
          • Changing Urban Systems
          • Urban Environmental Stresses
          • Sustainable Urban Systems
      • HL Extension Topics >
        • Power, places and networks
        • Human development and diversity
  • Links
    • Geo Researching Skills
    • HSC Geo Skills
    • SGP/Internal Assessment Projects
  • News
    • National Geo Comp
    • GTA NSW/ACT Fieldwork Awards
  • Contact
    • Latitude Geography authors