biogeochemical cycle

This term is a specialized scientific compound used primarily in ecology, geology, and environmental science. It describes the holistic movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, or phosphorus as they transition between living organisms and the non-living environment. The term emphasizes the integration of biological, geological, and chemical processes, distinguishing it from a simple chemical reaction or a purely biological process.

Because it refers to a specific systemic process, it is almost always used in a technical or academic register. It is frequently paired with the specific element being tracked, such as the carbon cycle or the nitrogen cycle, to specify which material is moving through the Earth's spheres.