Chapter 1 The Earth System Sylvia Marquez 9th Grade

Introduction Science is like a jigsaw puzzle, you must put the pieces together to solve it. In Science you ask questions to gather answers that will help you understand the theme. Each chapter asks a big question, you have to find the answer.

Vocabulary energy-ability to do work spelunkers-cave explorers atmosphere-the relatively thin envelope of gases that forms Earth’s outermost layer geosphere-is the ground; all of Earth’s mass; has three main parts: a metal core, a solid middle layer, and a rocky outer layer hydrosphere-contains all Earth’s water; about ¾ of Earth is covered by water spelunkers-cave explorers force-a natural power that acts on an object gravity-the force that makes objects fall toward Earth’s center particles-very small fragments of a very much larger object system-a group of parts that work together as a whole

biosphere-the parts of Earth that contain living organisms; the atmosphere constructive forces-forces that construct, or build up, mountains; they shape the land’s surface by building mountains and landmasses destructive forces-forces that wear down, or destroy landmasses

Destructive Forces Constructive Forces Volcanoes Plate tectonics Earthquakes Erosion Weathering Changes in temperature

Main Parts of the Earth System A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole. The environment of a specific area is a system: the Grand Canyon, Sahara Desert, El Yunque. Air, water, soil, rock, flora, fauna are parts of the system. The Earth system involves constant flow of matter through different parts. There are different cycles on Earth, for example: Water cycle Rock cycle

Water Cycle Water evaporates from the ocean Rises to the atmosphere Falls from the sky as rain Rainwater flows into and over Earth It goes back to the ocean

Think about: Why is rain formed by fresh water when it is salty water the one that evaporated?

Rock Cycle Magma rises to the surface Hardens on land forming a rock Erosion turns it into pieces Pieces are washed into the ocean, forming sand They sink to the bottom as sediment Small particles collect and glue together They cement together forming a new rock

Apply Graphic Organizer Create a graphic organizer of each cycle You can use color paper, foamies, stickers, anything you want to complete the task Be as creative as you can To be handed in at the end of the class

Graphic Organizers Use any kind of graphic organizers. Choose the one you like the most. Remember, you have to create two: one for the water cycle and another one for the rock cycle.

Energy The constant flow, or cycling, of matter through the Earth system is driven by energy. The energy has two sources: heat from the Sun and heat flowing out of Earth as it cools.

Open Discussion Why is the sun’s heat important to Earth? What phenomena on Earth are driven, at least in part, by energy from the sun? What other energy sources can you mention?

EARTH’S SPHERES Earth contains air, water, land, and life. Each of these parts forms its own part, or “sphere”. The Earth system has four main spheres.

Parts of the Earth’s System Atmosphere-thin envelope of gases that forms Earth’s outermost layer Geosphere-land formed by a metal core, middle layer, and a rocky outer layer Hydrosphere-all the Earth’s water Biosphere-parts of Earth that contain living organisms

For years, the ice in glaciers at Glacier National Park in Montana has been melting. This is caused by rising temperatures. As the volume of glaciers has decreased, the land around gets warmer. The warmer land melts the glaciers even faster.

Feedback Melting of the glaciers in Glacier National Park is an example of a process called feedback. When this happens, a system returns or feeds back to itself data about a change in the system. Feedback demonstrates how changes in one part of the earth system might affect the other parts. For example, the feedback of melting glaciers affects the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Review Science is a puzzle where you must find the answers A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole There are different cycles on Earth: water cycle and rock cycle The constant flow of matter through the Earth system is driven by energy There are two main sources of energy: the sun and heat flowing out from Earth The Earth system is formed by the Sun and four spheres: atmosphere (air), geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (life)

Erosion, weathering, and deposition are examples of destructive forces Constructive forces shape the land’s surface by building up mountains and landmasses Volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics are examples of constructive forces Destructive forces have the opposite effect of constructive forces and keep them in balance Feedback is a process in which a system returns to itself data when something tried to change it. The melting of glaciers is an example of feedback The feedback of melting glaciers affects the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere Destructive forces destroy and wear away landmasses

Assess-complete this activity in your notebook What happens during feedback? Explain what are constructive and destructive forces? How do they change Earth? In what ways can the land change as a result of a hurricane? Explain your answer. The Earth system consists of the sun and four main _____ The sphere that contains humans is called _____ Give one example of how humans affect the hydrosphere. Explain how this change impacts society.

What is energy? Why is the Sun’s heat important to Earth? What are the three main parts of the geosphere? What makes the core different from the other parts? Where does molten rock occurs? Where can you find sediment (deposition)? Can humans be destructive forces? Explain your answer.

NOW YOU ARE READY FOR THE TEST!