1. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Earth Systems 3209 Unit: 1 Introduction to Earth Science – The Evolution of Planet Earth Reference: Chapters 1, 17 and Appendix A

2. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Earth Spheres Unit 1: Topic 3.1 Focus on...  identifying and explaining how Earth is a dynamic planet  highlighting the systems approach to Earth Systems by recognizing Earth is made up of four spheres.  a  an example how Earth's spheres are interconnected as one complete system, ex. water cycle.

3. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Earth’s Spheres  Earth is a system of four interdependent reservoirs through which matter and energy flows  These four reservoirs are; 1) Geosphere 2) Hydrosphere 3) Atmosphere 4) Biosphere Text Reference pages 12–14.

4. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Earth’s Spheres  Earth System is powered by two sources; 1) Sun (solar energy) drives external processes of Earth. For example, weather and climate, ocean circulation, and erosional processes. 2)Residual heat and Radioactivity drives internal processes of Earth. For example, volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain building.

5. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Geosphere  The entire solid Earth from the core to the surface. Basically, anything that is not hydrosphere, atmosphere, or biosphere  Examples that we see include the continental and oceanic crust

6. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydrosphere  All of the waters of the earth, including both surface and subsurface waters including ice  Examples include oceans, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and ground water

7. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Atmosphere  The gaseous layer which surrounds Earth, mainly comprised of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%) and other gases including carbon dioxide  Examples include the air we breath

8. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Biosphere  The layer of life existing throughout the three preceding spheres  Examples include plants, animals, birds and fish

9. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador The 4 Spheres are Interconnected:  Students should know that the spheres formed in the following order: Geosphere Atmosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere

10. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador  Earth is viewed as a complex system, made up of a number of other systems which interact with one another to form new, larger-scale systems  Notice the ARROWS!! Atmosphere Biosphere Geosphere Hydrosphere The 4 Spheres are Interconnected:

11. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador  Water cycle shows the interaction of Earth spheres as water moves from the ground and organisms to the atmosphere; 1) Evaporation 2) Condensation 3) Precipitation 4) Runoff  Note: that this example incorporates all four spheres. Atmosphere Biosphere Geosphere Hydrosphere The 4 Spheres are Interconnected:

12. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Example 1: In what way would volcanic activity effect Earth’s spheres? Volcanic eruptions;  can interfere with surface drainage (Geosphere).  can interfere with incoming solar radiation (atmosphere). Thus, change weather and climate (short term and long term).  can interfere with the biosphere. Volcanic eruptions also destroy crops and plants. Without these plants, the ecosystem will be affected. Food webs will be affected.  can cause volcanic ash to stay in the atmosphere for years blocking sunlight that is necessary for life on Earth, which in turn may also cause food webs to be affected.

13. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Example 2: Which sphere includes groundwater? (A) atmosphere(B) biosphere (C) geosphere(D) hydrosphere

14. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Your Turn... Take the time and complete the following questions... (Solutions to follow) Questions: Explain how the interaction between the hydrosphere and lithosphere influences landscapes.

15. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Solutions... Questions: Answer: The hydrosphere is the water portion of Earth which consist of both solid (ice) and liquid (water) states. Landscape features for the most part are the result of ice (glaciers) and moving water (rivers, ground water, waves, etc...) eroding and weathering Earth’s surface. As ice and water moves over and through the lithosphere, Earth’s surface is shaped by the erosive forces and result in uneven, scenic landscape features, such as, glacial valleys, cirques, eskers, river valleys, sea stacks, etc.... Explain how the interaction between the hydrosphere and lithosphere influences landscapes.

16. Copyright © 2014 All rights reserved, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Summary... Overview of Points covered:  Earth is a complex system made up of 4 spheres that are closely connected. These include (in the order they formed); Geosphere --Solid Earth Atmosphere --Gaseous Earth Hydrosphere --Liquid Earth Biosphere -- Living Earth