1. Introduction to
Earth Systems

2. What is Earth systems?
Earth systems is the name for all of the sciences that together seek to understand Earth and it’s neighbors in space. It includes geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, and environmental science.

3. How can we classify planet Earth?
Earth has four spheres. Earth’s physical environment is traditionally divided into three major parts (spheres):
Geosphere ~ the solid part of Earth
Hydrosphere ~ the water portion of Earth
Atmosphere ~ the gaseous envelope
around Earth
Biosphere ~ non physical part of Earth, contains all of the living things on Earth. Interacts with the physical spheres and is an equally important part of Earth

4. How do Scientists Study Earth’s Spheres?
Even though each of Earth’s spheres can be studied individually, they are all related and part of a complex system that is continually interacting whole that we call the Earth system.
Earth system science uses an interdisciplinary approach to combine the knowledge of many academic fields in the study of Earth and its global environmental problems

5. What is a system?
A system is a group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
A closed system is a system in which energy can move in and out freely, but matter cannot. Matter cannot enter or leave a closed system.
An open system is one in which energy and matter are able to enter and leave.

6. The Study of Earth Systems
Earth is a system, The study of Earth as a system depends on studying each sphere, and science that is related to those spheres.
Geology ~ The study of the solid Earth. Generally split into two broad categories:
Physical examines the materials that make up the Earth
Historical seeks to understand the origins and development of the planet

7. The Study of Earth Systems
Oceanography ~ Examines the composition of the and dynamics of the Earth’s oceans, this includes marine life, coastal processes, and seafloor topography.
Meteorology ~ Examines the atmosphere, climate, and weather
Astronomy ~ Examines the Earth as a celestial body, part of the solar system, and larger universe

8. The Study of Earth Systems
Environmental Science ~ Study of natural resources, environmental hazards, and how people influence the environment and Earth processes.
The environmental scientist is an “engineer” for Earth. They use all of the other disciplines to engineer solutions to Earth problems, predict future issues, and protect the natural environment around us. The goal is to help Earth to maintain homeostasis.

9. A Closed System The Earth’s Core The Earth The Sun
Earth receives energy from the Sun, but very little matter enters or exits Earth’s systems
Geosphere
Land
Plate Tectonics
Volcanoes
The Rock Cycle
Hot Spots
Sedimentation
Fossilization
Earthquakes
Magnetism
Atmosphere
Air
Water
Weather
Climate
Clouds
Jet Stream
Solar Radiation Buffer
CO2 / O2 mixing
Global heating mix
The Earth’s Core
The energy driver of many of the geospheres processes
The Earth
The 3rd planet from the Sun with unique properties that allow for life
Hydrosphere
Water: (Solid, Liquid, Gas)
The water cycle
Oceans
Lakes & Rivers
Sea Ice
Glaciers
Snow Cover
Soil Moisture
Aquifers
Biosphere
Plants
Animals
Fungi
Bacteria
Algae
Coral Reefs
Producers, Consumers, & Decomposers
Evolution & Adaptations
The Sun
The energy giver of many of the Earth systems interactions