The Oxygen Cycle explores the essential circulation of oxygen, a process underpinning life on Earth. It examines the interconnected mechanisms of photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition, which collectively maintain the ecological balance.
Photosynthesis, carried out by plants and algae, converts sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy, releasing oxygen. Conversely, respiration uses oxygen to break down organic matter for energy. This cycle's stability is crucial, ensuring the oxygen levels necessary to sustain diverse ecosystems, from microscopic organisms to vast forests.
The book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating biology, ecology, and atmospheric science to provide a comprehensive understanding. It highlights the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and industrial emissions, on the oxygen cycle.
By analyzing long-term atmospheric monitoring data and ecological surveys, the book demonstrates how disruptions in one part of the cycle can cascade through entire ecosystems.
The book progresses by first defining key terms, then delving into photosynthesis and respiration, followed by an exploration of human impacts and potential solutions for mitigating these effects.
