The key difference between gaseous and sedimentary biogeochemical cycles is their main reservoir of the element. In gaseous biogeochemical cycles, the main reservoir of the element is the air or ocean. But, the main reservoir of the element is the Earth crust in sedimentary biogeochemical cycles.
Biogeochemical cycles are pathways by which substances mainly circulate through biotic (biosphere) and abiotic (lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) parts of Earth. These cycles explain the movement of a particular element via living and nonliving matter in an ecosystem. There are several natural cycles including nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, water cycle, phosphorus cycle, and sulfur cycle. These cycles are extremely important for the existence of life and transforming energy and mater into usable forms to support ecosystem functioning.
Each cycle shows a balance in cycling between different compartments. However, human activities have greatly affected these natural cycles, creating altered and accelerated cycles that can influence the climate and pose a threat to biodiversity, food security, human health, and water quality, etc. Generally, biogeochemical cycles can be categorized into two main types as gaseous and sedimentary.
