1. Earth Systems and Cycles

2. n Approaches to studying earth science: –Reductionist –Holistic

3. n Reductionist Approach –Divide earth into separate units n Atmosphere n Hydrosphere n Biosphere n Lithosphere Earth Systems and Cycles

4. n Holistic Approach –Earth is studied as a unified system with interacting components Earth Systems and Cycles

5. n System - any portion of the universe that can be isolated from the rest of the universe for the purpose of observing changes Earth Systems and Cycles

6. Systems Analysis

7. n System –A system is any portion of the universe... n Is whatever the observer defines it to be n A conceptual model n Limits are set for the convenience of our study Earth Systems and Cycles

8. n System –A system … is isolated from the rest of the universe for the purpose of observing changes n We must set boundaries around our system to separate it from its surroundings Earth Systems and Cycles

9. n System –Types of Systems n Isolated - system in which boundaries prevent the system from exchanging either matter or energy Earth Systems and Cycles

10. n System –Types of Systems n Closed - system in which boundaries permit the exchange of energy, but not matter, with its surroundings Earth Systems and Cycles

11. n System –Types of Systems n Open - system in which boundaries permit the exchange of both matter and energy across its boundaries Earth Systems and Cycles

12. Open, Isolated, and Closed Systems

13. The Earth System

14. n The Earth System –Subsystems are huge reservoirs in which material and energy are stored before moving on Earth Systems and Cycles

15. n The Earth System –Earth System Science - the study of the earth and relationships among its subsystems Earth Systems and Cycles

16. n The Earth System –Constant cycling of matter and energy among subsystems Earth Systems and Cycles

17. n Earth Cycles –Energy Cycle –Hydrologic Cycle –Biogeochemical Cycles –Rock Cycle Earth Systems and Cycles

18. n Earth Cycles –Energy Cycle n Internal and external energy sources that drive all the major Earth cycles Earth Systems and Cycles

19. n Earth Cycles –Energy Cycle n Energy inputs –Solar radiation –Geothermal energy –Tidal energy Earth Systems and Cycles

20. n Earth Cycles –Energy Cycle n Energy outputs –Reflection –Re-radiation Earth Systems and Cycles

21. n Earth Cycles –Hydrologic Cycle n Movement of water among Earth’s subsystems n Driving energy source is solar radiation Earth Systems and Cycles

22. The Hydrologic Cycle

23. n Earth Cycles –Biogeochemical Cycles n Movement of various chemicals among Earth’s subsystems n Examples –Carbon –Nitrogen –Oxygen Earth Systems and Cycles

24. n Earth Cycles –Rock Cycle n Reflects interactions between internal and external processes –Internal processes driven by geothermal energy (radioactive decay) –External processes driven by solar radiation Earth Systems and Cycles

25. The Rock Cycle