1. Systems & Spheres Notes

2. Systems
A SYSTEM is an organized group of related objects or components that interact
See pages in text

3. Systems
Closed System – Energy, but not matter can be exchanged with the surroundings
Example: Earth, closed jar

4. Systems
Open System – Both energy and matter are exchanged with the surroundings
Examples: a lake, human body, open jar.

5. Earth’s Spheres
The 4 spheres store all of the matter on Earth Matter = anything that has mass and takes up space

6. The Atmosphere “A” for Air
The blanket of gases surrounding the Earth’s surface
Composition of Earth’s Atmosphere
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
1% other trace gases

7. The Hydrosphere “H” for H2O
All of the Earth’s water, except, the water in the atmosphere
97% salt water – oceans
3% fresh water – lakes, rivers, frozen glaciers

8. The Geosphere “G” for Ground
The mostly solid part of the Earth
Rock and soil, Earth’s crust and tectonic plates
Solid and molten interior of the Earth

9. The Biosphere “B” for body / bird / bush
All the forms of life in the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere
Extends to the deepest parts of the ocean and a few km above the Earth’s surface
Contains all living organisms

10. Interactions among the Spheres
Many birds (biosphere) fly through the air (atmosphere). While water (hydrosphere) often flows through the soil (geosphere). One change in one sphere results in a change in one or more spheres. Such changes that take place within an ecosystem are referred to as events.