The Calcium Cycle is Tightly Coupled to The

Question

The calcium cycle is tightly coupled to the
A) carbon cycle through calcium carbonate formation in ocean waters.
B) phosphorus cycle through calcium phosphate formation in sediments and rocks.
C) silica cycle through calcium silicate formation in coastal ocean sediments.
D) nitrogen cycle because nitrogenase requires calcium ions.

Accepted Answer

The calcium cycle is tightly coupled to the carbon cycle through calcium carbonate formation in ocean waters. Calcium ions combine with carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate, which is an important component of marine shells and skeletons. When these organisms die, their shells sink to the seafloor and become incorporated into sediment, where they can eventually be transformed into limestone. The formation and dissolution of calcium carbonate in the oceans play a significant role in regulating atmospheric CO2 and, thus, helps to maintain Earth's climate.