Global Change Four Spheres
Four Spheres Lithosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere Atmosphere Earth is divided into 4 spheres: Lithosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere Atmosphere
Lithosphere This is the solid, rocky crust covering the entire planet. Is the Earth’s crust and the upper layer of semi-molten mantle Broken into large pieces called tectonic plates Consists of rocks, soil, sand, minerals, coal, oil and natural gas
Hydrosphere Composed of all the water on or near the Earth. Includes; Earth’s oceans Lakes rivers and creeks Moisture in the air 97% of the earths water is in the ocean. 3% is fresh water, 75% of this is solid in ice sheets.
Biosphere This is composed of all living organisms. Plants, animals, and one-celled organisms Most life is found from 3m below the ground to thirty meters above it and in the top 200m of the oceans and seas.
Atmosphere 1. Troposphere 2. Stratosphere 3. Mesosphere This is the body of air which surrounds our planet Consists of four layers: 1. Troposphere 2. Stratosphere 3. Mesosphere 4. Thermosphere (including ionosphere) Composition 78% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen 1% Trace Gases (mainly Argon)