Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere The Earth’s Physical Systems Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere

Earth System (4 physical systems) Atmosphere Layer of gases that surround Earth. Allows you to breathe and protects earth. Lithosphere (crust and MOHO) Surface of the planet that forms the continents and the ocean floor.

Earth System (4 physical systems) Hydrosphere All the water on Earth (ocean, ice, and water vapor in the atmosphere) Biosphere Part of Earth where life exists.

Lithosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere METEOROLOGY GEOLOGY ASTRONOMY OCEANOGRAPHY

Human Actions Affecting the Atmosphere NEGATIVE POSITIVE Ozone Depletion UV rays can destroy a type of bacteria known as Cyanobacteria which produces much of Earth's oxygen. Exposure to  harmful  UV rays can cause skin cancer and cataracts. An excess level of UV rays could lead to the death of the phytoplanktons, that are an important component of the food web of the oceans. Global warming Glacier melting which leads to flooding Changing weather Clean Air Act

Human Actions Affecting the Lithosphere NEGATIVE POSITIVE Over Harvesting imbalance in the food chain the death of a species Air and Water Pollution Weathering Loss of useful water Reforestation Restocking of fish Water purification

Human Actions Affecting the Hydrosphere NEGATIVE POSITIVE Pesticides washing into river systems Decline of quality groundwater Acid Rain Damages trees at high elevations decay of building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures harmful to public health Release of oceanic carbon dioxide

Human Actions Affecting the Biosphere NEGATIVE POSITIVE Prevention of forest fires by proper forest management Deforestation flooding landslides and mudslides trees are an important part of the water cycle forests home to a large number of animals Strip Mining water pollution landslides fires hazards to public health & safety