1. Earth System Science

2. What is a system?
A system is any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
What are some examples of systems?

3. Open vs Closed Systems Open System
An open system is when matter and energy can enter and exit the system.

4. One example of an open system is an island
One example of an open system is an island. Rainfall enters the system and can also exit the system as runoff.

5. Open vs Closed Systems Closed System
A closed system is when only energy (sunlight) enters and exits the system

6. One example of a completely closed system is a Submarine
One example of a completely closed system is a Submarine. No matter enters or exits. Air remains inside the submarine and water remains outside of the submarine.

7. Is Earth an Open or Closed System?

8. Earth is a Closed System. WHY?
Earth receives energy from the sun and reflects most of it back into space. It also creates energy in the Earth’s interior.
The reason why it isn’t entirely closed is that some matter is exchanged.
The atmosphere loses several hydrogen ions to space.
Matter enters the system occasionally through meteorites.

9. What does this mean for us?
One consequence of Earth being a closed system is that our resources are limited to that we have on this planet.
Renewable resources can be replenished over a short time period. Ex.
Non renewable resources are still forming, BUT, they are forming too slowly to replenish themselves. Some take millions of years to form. Ex.

10. How Do Scientists View the Earth?
A collection of parts, or integrated whole?

11. August 23, 1966,- the first view of the Earth from Space via Lunar Orbiter I

12. The Geosphere The cold, hard land on the planet’s crust;
the semi-solid matter under the crust, and the liquid core
Includes:
Mountains, rocks, minerals, beaches
All solid & natural physical features
Constantly changing (slowly)

13. Hydrosphere
All of the solid, liquid (and gaseous) water on the planet.
Includes oceans, lakes, rivers,
groundwater, glaciers
What percentage of Earth’s water is FRESH? ONLY 3%!
<1% usable by humans, 70% frozen as
glacial ice

14. Atmosphere The gaseous envelope surrounding the earth
Oxygen presence is unique in solar system
The air in the Earth’s system:
Extends from 1m below earth surface to 10,000 Km above earth surface.
Responsible for winds and absorption of harmful radiation
What sphere do Clouds belong?

15. Biosphere All the living things on the planet
All microorganisms, plants, & animals
Interactions of the Atmosphere, Geosphere and Hydrosphere make it possible for the Biosphere to exist on Earth!

16. How do the four spheres interact?