An Environmental Balance Chapter 2 Section 4

The Earth’s Physical Geography is Made Up of 4 Parts: 1.The Atmosphere 2.The Lithosphere 3.The Hydrosphere 4.The Biosphere

1. The Atmosphere The blanket of gases or air surrounding the earth.

Air Pollution Effects the atmosphere and ozone layer Chemicals in air pollution can also combine with precipitation, which then falls as acid rain.

2. The Lithosphere The earth’s hard outer shell, or what we view as land areas. Telephones and microwaves all come from land resources; such as: copper, iron, aluminum and other minerals.

Topsoil A vital part of the Lithosphere. If people do not carefully manage the soil, it can be carried away by wind or water.

Deforestation Cutting down forests without replanting, is another way in which the topsoil is lost.

Crop Rotation Alternating crops, in a field, to avoid using all the minerals in the soil.

3. The Hydrosphere All the water in the oceans, lakes, rivers and glaciers, plus all precipitation. People must manage freshwater

2 Steps of Water Management 1.Conservation- Careful use of water resources so they are not wasted. -6 to 7 gallons of water go down the drain for every minute that you shower. Irrigation- collecting water and redistributing it to crops. CONT…….

2 Steps of Water Management 2.Avoid Pollution of Water - Industrial plants and farmer must take necessary steps in order to keep water pure.

4. The Biosphere All living things and the environment in which they live. As the human pollution increases and people expand their communities, they invade the ecosystem.

Ecosystem Where plants and animals are dependant upon one another and their surroundings for survival.