The Earth’s Four Spheres Image from

The Four Spheres Earth can be divided into four spheres: Lithosphere (litho is Greek for “stone”) Hydrosphere (hydro is Greek for “water”) Atmosphere (atmo is Greek for “air”) Biosphere (bio is Greek for “life”)

Lithosphere The lithosphere is the rocky layer that covers the earth.

Hydrosphere The hydrosphere is all the water on or near the earth’s surface.

Atmosphere The atmosphere is the air that surrounds the earth.

Biosphere The biosphere includes all living things on earth.

Interaction of the four spheres The four spheres are always interacting. If something happens to one of the spheres, it can affect the other spheres.

Describing Interactions In this picture: The apple (biosphere) is broken down by bacteria (biosphere). The bacteria (biosphere) release gases into the air (atmosphere). The apple (biosphere) becomes a part of the soil (lithosphere). A raccoon (biosphere) eats part of the apple. The raccoon breathes out water (hydrosphere). Anything else?

Question to think about… 1) Name as many interactions as you can from these pictures: 2) Which spheres do humans need to survive?

Add these words to your vocabulary list! Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere Image from www.nrc.gov/.../basic-ref/students/waste.html