Earth Science Chapter 1-2

The Four Great Realms Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere

Atmosphere The layer of gases that surround and form an envelope around the Earth. Consists of several gases Nitrogen – 78% Oxygen – 21% CO2, H2O, others – 1%

Lithosphere Earth's solid, rocky outer layer The continents, islands and ocean floors

Hydrosphere All of the water present on the planet Oceans, lakes, streams, ice caps, snow, glaciers, etc.

Biosphere That area of the land, water and air that contains life!

Litho = solid rock Atmos = air Hydro = water Bio = Life Sphere = round

1. To which sphere do all of earth’s inhabitants belong. 2 1. To which sphere do all of earth’s inhabitants belong? 2. What is earth’s hydrosphere made of? 3. Where is water in the gaseous state found? 4. To which sphere do mountains, valleys, and other pieces of land belong?

Glaciers carved Yosemite valley Which earth systems interact for following – Glaciers carved Yosemite valley 2. Most of California’s earthquakes are caused by movement of rocks along the San Andreas Fault System 3. Many of the mudslides in northern California occur when snow melts

Sequoias and redwoods grow in some of the forests in California The Pacific Ocean borders western California Death Valley is one of the hottest, driest places on earth

Energy Transfer Moving object Waves electromagnetic waves Heat flow – heat flows from a warmer object to a colder object

Branches of Earth Science Geology – geo = earth Meteorology Environmental Science

The Earth’s Surface Topography: The shape of the land. The topography of an area includes the area's elevation, relief, and landforms.

Elevation - Relief Elevation -height above sea level Relief - difference between the highest and the lowest points of an area

Landforms 3 main types: Plains mountains plateaus

Plains: made up of flat or gently rolling land with low relief Coastal plains Interior plains

Mountains: made up of high elevation and high relief. Mountain range: Group of mountains closely related in shape, structure, and age Mountain System: Different ranges in an area

Mountain Belt: Mountain ranges and Mountain systems in a long connected chain Plateaus: high elevation and a more or less level surface

Landform Elevation Relief Plain Low Mountain High Plateaus

Earth’s Grid – Equator & Prime Meridian Prime Meridian goes through Greenwich, England Equator is half way between the North & South pole

Latitude & Longitude Latitude: the distance north or south of the equator Longitude: the distance east or west of the prime meridian

Both latitude & longitude are measured in degrees

Latitude & Longitude

Topographic Maps

They provide information on the elevation, relief, and slope of the ground surface

Reading a Topo Map Thin lines that connect points of equal elevation. Contour lines Thin lines that connect points of equal elevation.

It shows the change in elevation from contour line to Contour interval Spaces between the contour lines. It shows the change in elevation from contour line to contour line.

Thick, darker lines, usually every fifth contour line. Index contour Thick, darker lines, usually every fifth contour line.

Interpreting Contour Lines Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes. Widely spaced contour lines are used for gentle slopes or flatter areas.

Closed loop with no other contour lines inside it indicates a hilltop. V-shaped contour lines pointing uphill indicate a valley. V-shaped contour lines pointing downhill indicate a ridge.

A closed loop with dashes inside – a depression or hollow in the ground

Making a Topo Map