1. Earth System
We’ll be starting a new unit to learn about the Earth System. Before we start to talk about the earth system, is there someone who wants to provide a definition of what a system is?
NASA

2. Here is an example of a simple system: a bicycle
Here is an example of a simple system: a bicycle. A bicycle is composed of a set of components that interact to provide transportation: wheels; pedals that make the wheels rotate; brakes that make the wheels stop; handlebars that guide the direction of the front wheel and the bicycle; and a frame that holds everything together. The interaction of all these components is what allows the system to function. Each component of the system also has elements. For example, the elements of the wheels include the metal rim, the rubber tire, the spokes, the hub, and a wheel bearing. Pedals include metal struts, rubber foot rests, bolts, bearings, etc.
Photo: Nova

3. In this unit we’ll learn about the Earth system, which like the bicycle is made up of a set of components that scientists have defined. And like the bicycle, each component of the Earth system has elements.
This image of Earth was made from satellite data. It is actually a mosaic, composed of a large number of smaller images taken at different times in order to assemble a view of Earth without the clouds.
NASA

4. The major components of the Earth system include: the Geosphere (the solid part of Earth); the Hydrosphere (all of Earth’s water, in solid or liquid form); The Atmosphere (the blanket of gas that surrounds Earth); and the Biosphere (all living things on the planet).
There is a special name for the soil or granular part of the Geosphere; it’s called the Pedosphere. In this unit our focus will be on the Pedosphere portion of the Geosphere, the granular material, the soils. There is also a special name for the frozen part of the Hydrosphere; it’s called the Cryosphere. There is no specific work involving the Cryosphere in this unit, but the Cryosphere plays important roles on Earth, including a major role in regulating the planet’s climate, and a major role in storing water in frozen form (glaciers) that gradually melt to feed rivers that supply running water for billions of people.
Image credits: Jennifer Loomis, TERC/Biosphere image provided by ORBIMAGE © Orbital Imaging Corporation. Processing by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Image source: Exploring Earth

5. Elements of the geosphere include the surface rocks and soils as well as Earth’s interior.
The role of Earth’s soil is the focus of this module. Soil is a sub-sphere of the geosphere with its own name: the pedosphere.
Provide more information about the pedosphere. See the document EarthSystem_Intro_NOTES.docx.

6. Elements of the hydrosphere include all bodies of surface water as well as ground water.
Earth’s solid water is part of the hydrosphere but is also considered a sub-sphere with its own name: the Cryosphere.
Provide more information about the hydrosphere. See the document EarthSystem_Intro_NOTES.docx

7. Elements of the biosphere include all living plants and animals, from the smallest single celled organisms to the largest trees and animals on the planet.
Provide more information about the biosphere. See the document EarthSystem_Intro_NOTES.docx

8. Elements of the atmosphere include several different gases (nitrogen and oxygen in the greatest abundance) as well as clouds, water vapor, and solid particles such as dust and pollen.
Provide more information about the atmosphere. See the document EarthSystem_Intro_NOTES.docx

9. Atmosphere (clouds are visible) Hydrosphere (ocean)
Which of the four major spheres do you see in this image? Explain your answers.
Atmosphere (clouds are visible)
Hydrosphere (ocean)
Biosphere (plants and grasses on the sand dunes)
Geosphere (or Pedosphere; the sand)
Wikimedia commons: public domain

10. Biosphere (plants and trees) Pedosphere (soil)
Which of the four major spheres do you see in this image? Explain your answers.
Hydrosphere (stream)
Biosphere (plants and trees)
Pedosphere (soil)
4. We can’t see the atmosphere, but we know it is there because it blankets the Earth.
Wikimedia Commons: Nigel Chadwick

11. Which of the four major spheres do you see in this image
Which of the four major spheres do you see in this image? Explain your answers.
Atmosphere (clouds)
Biosphere (plants)
Pedosphere (soil)
Wikimedia commons: public domain

12. A key concept of the Earth system is that matter and energy cycle constantly between spheres and between elements of a sphere.
What interconnections between the spheres do you think are happening here?
New leaves are sprouting. Matter is being transferred from the atmosphere (CO2) and pedosphere (water, minerals) to the biosphere (leaves). This is an example of the interconnections between spheres at the local level.
Photo: Aniol

13. A key concept of the Earth system is that matter and energy cycle constantly between spheres and between elements of a sphere.
What is happening here?
Fallen leaves are decaying. Matter is being transferred from the biosphere (leaves) back to the pedosphere (solids) and the atmosphere (water and CO2). This is an example of the interconnections between spheres at the local level.
Photo: Mrmariokartguy

14. A key concept of the Earth system is that matter and energy cycle constantly between spheres and between elements of a sphere.
What is happening here?
This volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 sent tons of tiny solid particles from the geosphere into the atmosphere. Once in the atmosphere, these particles are called aerosols. The aerosols reduced the amount of sunlight that reached Earth. In the United States, the summer of 1992 was the third coldest and third wettest summer in 77 years. This is an example of the interconnections between spheres at the global level.

15. ?
Water and thermal energy move from the warm tropical oceans into the atmosphere to form hurricanes that transfer moisture and warmth to land and to higher latitudes. This is an example of the interconnections between spheres at the regional or global level.
NASA

16. Earth System
You will be studying the same components of the Earth system close to school. The site you study will not be as engaging a forest stream or as dramatic as a hurricane, but you will be studying the very same components of the Earth system, and your observations will help you broaden your understanding of how the Earth system works.
NASA