Chapter 2 Earth-System Systems- a set of particles or interacting components considered to be a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study. All systems are linked Systems are interrelated All systems have boundaries Earth System is a result of interaction between two basic components: Matter- anything that has mass and takes up space. Energy- the ability to do work. A system can be described by the way matter and energy are transferred within a system.

Earth System The three main components of the Earth are the atmosphere, its gaseous envelope, the hydrosphere, the surface coating of water, and of course, the solid earth. All three are subdivided into subsystems. The atmosphere and hydrosphere get their energy mostly from the Sun, and the solid earth gets its energy from internal heat, some of which is produced by radioactive decay and some is left over from the formation of the earth. A tiny amount of energy also comes from gravitational interactions between the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.

Types of Systems Closed System- system in which energy, but not matter, is exchanged with the surroundings.

Types of Systems Open System- a system in which both matter and energy are exchanged with the surroundings.

Earth System Technically, all systems that make up the Earth’s system is open. Though, the Earth’s system is almost a closed system because matter exchange is limited. Atmosphere

Plate Tectonics as a System Earth’s Systems Plate Tectonics as a System

Earth Systems External vs. Internal

Earth’s Spheres Atmosphere- mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. Hydrosphere- portion of Earth that is water. Geosphere- mostly solid, rocky part of the Earth. Biosphere- part of the Earth where life exists.

Earth’s Energy Budget

Earth’s Energy Budget Internal Source- heating on the inside of the Earth caused by radioactive decay and gravitational contraction.

Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle Cycles Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle

Carbon Cycle Carbon (C) – element with 6 protons Building blocks for hydrocarbons = organic compounds Organic compounds – leads to processes and structures that support life on Earth

Carbon Cycle Carbon moves through the environment on a daily bases. Cause, affect and demise.

Nitrogen Cycle Nitrogen (N) – element with 7 protons Nitrogen based compounds essential to protein building in animal tissue

Free nitrogen in the air Primary consumers eat and incorporate nitrogen Secondary and Tertiary consumers eat primary consumers Decomposers break down waste, detritus, and decay Nitrogen is absorbed by primary producers (plant life) Bacteria release some free nitrogen into the air Some nitrogen would remain in the ground Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules of plants

Hydrologic Cycle Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation and Run-off.

Chapter 2 Ecology Ecology- the study of the complex relationships between living (biotic) things and their nonliving, or abiotic environment. Science that links life science with earth science. Ecosystem- a community of organisms and their abiotic environment. Producers- plants- use energy from the sun to produce their own food. Consumers- organisms that get their energy from eating other organisms. Decomposers- organisms that get their energy by braking down dead organisms.

Ecology Balancing Forces In Nature Organisms use energy and matter in their ecosystem. Energy and matter in an ecosystem are limited Carry capacity- largest population that an environment can support at any given time. Food Chains and Food Webs Chains- sequence Webs-Relationships