Earth Systems
Earth Systems Overview
-Earth is a system consisting of four major interacting components; -the atmosphere -the biosphere -the hydrosphere -the geosphere The Atmosphere -a blanket of air that surrounds the Earth. -it consists of four unique layers (the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere). -it reaches over 350 miles up from the surface of the Earth. -it is primarily composed of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). Other components consists in small quantities. The Biosphere -is the "life zone" of the Earth, and includes all living organisms (including humans), and all organic matter that has not yet decomposed. -structured into a hierarchy known as a food chain. -energy and nutrients, like carbon, are transferred from one level of the food chain to the next. Hydrosphere -contains all the water found on our planet. -Surface water: includes the ocean, as well as water from other lakes, rivers and creeks. -Ground water: includes water trapped in the soil and groundwater. -Atmosphere: water vapor. -Frozen water: includes ice caps and glaciers. Specifically called the cryosphere -Only about 3% of the water found on Earth is "fresh" water, and about 70% of the fresh water is frozen in the form of glacial ice (0.9% in liquid form). Geosphere -is the solid part of the Earth, from the core to the surface. -includes volcanos, rocks, minerals, coal, oil etc. -mineral resources are mined form the geosphere. Earth Systems Science
-is the study of how the four spheres of the Earth system interact continually. -(example): A scientist that studies global warming is an Earth System Scientist System Interactions -volcanoes (geosphere) erupt, sending ash and gases into the air (atmosphere) and sending lava and ash down onto surrounding forests (biosphere) and human habitations (biosphere). -hurricanes (atmosphere) sweep across the ocean (hydrosphere) and onto the land (geosphere), damaging the dwellings of people (biosphere) who live along the coast. -earthquakes (geosphere) can damage buildings which may kill people (biosphere), as well as cause fires which release gases into the air (atmosphere). Earthquakes in the ocean may cause tsunami (hydrosphere) which can eventually hit land and kill both animals and people (biosphere). |
The Atmosphere is a blanket of air that surrounds the Earth, it reaches over 350 miles up from the surface of the earth.
The Biosphere is the life zone of the Earth, that includes all living organisms.
The Hydrosphere contains all the water found on Earth, surface water, ground water, frozen water, and the vapor water found in the Atmosphere.
The Geosphere is the solid part of the Earth from the core to the surface.
1. Name the four main earth systems.
Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere Biosphere 2. Which branch of science studies the interactions between theses earth systems? Earth System Science: example is a scientist that studies global warming. 3. A forest fire would effect which earth systems? All four: Fires (biosphere) will destroy animal and plant while releasing smoke and other contaminants into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. |