Earth Systems #2
Components of Earth Science Geology I. Study of Earth Meteorology I. Study of the weather and climate Oceanography I. Study of the oceans Astronomy I. Study of the universe
Earth Earth is a part of the universe that can be studied separately. Earth is essentially a closed system overall we are not gaining or losing matter. Matter is moving within the systems.
Earth is powered by two energy sources: 1. SUN Main source of energy that drives the earth’s external process that occur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and earths surface.
2. Earth’s Interior - Radioactive decay releases heat - gravity and pressure causes heat - Heat is released from radioactive elements. - These sources power the interior process that produce volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains
4 major Spheres Atmosphere Geosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere air Crust, mantle and core Hydrosphere water Biosphere The living part of Earth
Atmosphere Gaseous environment surrounding the planet Consists of … 78.08% Nitrogen 20.95% Oxygen
Geosphere The Earth itself Includes Rocks Mountains Beaches Ocean Basins
Hydrosphere All the water in the Earths systems 97.2% salt water
The remaining water is freshwater located in… Glaciers and ice sheets (2.16%) The remaining 0.64% is located in… Ground water Lakes Soil moisture Water vapor River water
Biosphere All the living things on the planet Humans have had the largest impact on the other spheres, i.e.… Pollution Deforestation Drilling Greenhouse effect Desertification Reduction in species
Interactions Changes in one system affect other Earth systems.
Atmosphere Volcanism releases sulfur dioxide cooling the climate Burning of fossil fuels
Hydrosphere Rain causes erosion on the Geosphere Runoff carries element and contaminates into the ocean which can effect the biosphere
Human Impact on Biosphere How deforestation effects… Hydrosphere Increased runoff, tributaries, river flow Atmosphere Increased CO2 Geosphere Increased weathering & erosion Biosphere Decreased habitat & biodiversity Deforestation 2 types Slash-and-burn Clear-cutting
Human Impact on Atmosphere Greenhouse effect Traps heat Needed to heat planet Raises temp by 53ºF Increased by 1ºF since 1950 Decreased by 1 ºF in 2007 6 Greenhouse gases Water vapor 90% Carbon Dioxide Fossil fuels Methane Livestock & rice cultivation Ozone Factory and vehicle emissions Nitrous Oxide Fertilizers & sewage Fluorocarbons CFC & HFC