SSA Review – Earth Systems

Spheres of the Earth Geosphere - is associated with solid portions of the Earth. It includes rocks, sediments and soils, surface landforms and the processes that shape the surface. Features are: Valley networks, river channels/canyons, deltas, Sand dunes, wind streaks Folds, faults, mountains Volcanoes

Spheres of the Earth Hydrosphere is the liquid water component of the Earth. The hydrosphere covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth and is the home for many plants and animals. The hydrosphere, like the atmosphere, is always in motion. Features include: -oceans, seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Spheres of the Earth Cryosphere ("icy cold water sphere") is the frozen part of Earth: the glaciers, icebergs at sea, and the huge icecaps in Greenland and Antarctica. The cryosphere is the term which collectively describes the portions of the Earth’s surface where water is in solid form. Features include: sea ice, lake ice, river ice, snow cover, glaciers, ice caps and ice sheets, and frozen ground

Spheres of the Earth Atmosphere - relates to meteorological features and phenomena such as weather, clouds, or aerosols (particles in the air). It includes an ever‐changing mixture of gas and small particles located above and surrounding the Earth’s surface. Features include: ‐Clouds ‐Hurricanes and Cyclones ‐Aurora ‐Air Pollution/Aerosols ‐Dust and Sand Storms

Spheres of the Earth Biosphere is associated with living systems such as biomes or ecosystems. This includes life on land, in the oceans and rivers, and even life we cannot see with the naked eye. Features include: ‐Coastal Biomes ‐Forests ‐Deserts ‐Grasslands ‐Urban/Agricultural Ecosystems

Spheres of the Earth Four major parts of Earth work together as a complex system: rocks, water, air, and life. On a global scale, each part can be thought of as a sphere, roughly the same size and shape as the planet.

The Atmosphere We Call it “Air” What is it?

It is: *The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth *This is where the weather happens *Weather – changes in the condition of the atmosphere (cloudy, cold, rainy, clear and sunny)

330 miles & above 48 – 330 miles 30 – 48 miles 7 – 30 miles 0 – 7 miles

Layer Description 0 – 7 miles above the Earth Troposphere The weather happens here

Energy from the Sun

How does the sun’s energy get to the Earth?

Radiation – energy from the sun that travels through space to the Earth (the sun’s rays)

Infrared – sun’s heat energy

Visible Light - Energy from the sun we can see and plants use for food

Ultraviolet (U. V. ) Radiation – energy that affects our skin Ultraviolet (U.V.) Radiation – energy that affects our skin *vitamin D for skin cell growth (good) *sunburns (too much UV) *cancer (too much UV)

Radiation 1- some energy is absorbed in the ozone layer of the atmosphere (mostly UV rays)

Radiation 2 – some energy reflects off clouds and other particles in the atmosphere and back towards space

Radiation 3 – some energy reflects off the Earth’s surface (water or land) and back up to the atmosphere

4 – some energy is absorbed into Earth’s surface (water or land) Radiation 4 – some energy is absorbed into Earth’s surface (water or land)

How Heat Moves Radiation - Heat moves through the air from a warmer object to a cooler object (sun, fire, stove or oven)

Conduction - Heat moves from a warmer object by touching a cooler object

Convection - Heat moves by a fluid (liquid or gas) from a warmer object to a cooler object Example – running hot water, steam, heater, or hair dryer

Heat movement in our Atmosphere

What is a wind? Wind – the air moving horizontally from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

Winds – As warm air rises, cooler air moves in underneath

Types of Global Winds Jet streams high speed winds about 6 miles above the earth (120 to 240 mph) *these winds can carry or push cold polar air down into the U.S.

What’s the difference between weather and climate?

*Weather – changes in the condition of the atmosphere (cloudy, cold, rainy, clear and sunny)

What is a Storm? Storm – a violent change in the atmosphere

*Thunderstorm

*Tornado

*Hurricane

Climate - the typical weather conditions in an area over a long period.