Earth System Science Earth is a dynamic system Has many interacting subsystems Goal is to study all branches (i.e. chemistry, biology, geology) to understand and solve many global environmental problems

What is a System? Any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole. Natural systems are driven by sources of energy that: Move matter and/or energy from one place to another Natural systems are open systems: Both energy and matter flow into and out of the system

Energy Earth system: Sun – drives external processes that occur in atmosphere, hydrosphere, and at surface. Interior – powers internal processes that produce volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains heat that remains from time earth was formed heat continuously generated by decay of radioactive elements

Earth’s Systems Interact Volcano erupts Lava may flow out at surface and block nearby valley Could create a lake or cause streams to change course Volcanic ash can blow high into atmosphere result in drop in air temps

Earth’s Systems Interact Humans are part of the Earth system! Our actions have affects on all other systems Burn coal and gasoline Build breakwaters along a shoreline Dispose of our wastes Clear land

People and Environment Environment – everything that surrounds and influences an organism Biological & Social Nonliving Water, air, soil, rock, humidity, temp, sunlight

Environmental Resources Water and soil Metallic and nonmetallic minerals Energy

Renewable Resources Can be replenished over relatively short time spans Plants and animals - food Natural fibers – clothing Forest products – lumber & paper Energy from flowing water, wind, sun

Nonrenewable Resources Continue to form, but processes are so slow it takes millions of years for significant deposits to accumulate Metals – iron, aluminum, copper Fuels – oil, natural gas, coal

Population Until 19th century – pop. Under 1 billion By 2010 – estimated at 7 billion Increase population = increase demand for resources Rate of mineral & energy resource usage increasing faster than population. Can alternatives be found?

Environmental problems Air pollution Acid rain Ozone depletion Global warming Loss of fertile soils – erosion Disposal of toxic wastes Contamination and depletion of water recources

Environmental Problems Natural hazards: Earthquakes Landslides Floods Hurricanes Drought