Question: 128: Which one of the following will accelerate phosphorus cycle?
(1) Weathering of rocks
(2) Rain fall and storms
(3) Burning of fossil fuels
(4) Volcanic activity
Answer: Option (1)
Explanation:
The phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary cycle and does not have a significant gaseous phase.
The main natural source of phosphorus is phosphate-containing rocks present in the Earth’s crust.
Weathering of rocks releases phosphate ions into the soil and water bodies,
making phosphorus available to plants.
Plants absorb phosphates, and through food chains phosphorus enters animals and microorganisms.
Rainfall and storms mainly influence the water cycle and do not
directly accelerate phosphorus release.
Burning of fossil fuels is associated with the carbon and sulphur cycles,
not the phosphorus cycle.
Volcanic activity plays a minor role compared to weathering in releasing phosphorus.
Therefore, weathering of rocks accelerates the phosphorus cycle,
making Option (1) correct.