THE EARTH SYSTEMS
SYSTEM
A set of interconnect components that are
interacting to form a unified whole.
Three types: Isolated, Closed, and Open. Earth is a closed sytem because it ecieves energy from the Sun and returns
some of this energy to space.
ATMOSPHERE
The thin gaseous layer. One of its most important
processes by which the heat on the Earth’s surface is redistributed through atmospheric circulation.
There is also a constant exchange of heat and moisture
between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere through the
hydrologic cycle.
HYDROSPHERE
About 70% of the earth is covered with liquid water.
Oceans are important sinks for CO2 through direct exchange with the atmosphere and indirectly
through the weathering of rocks.
Heat is absorbed and redistributed on the surface of the Earth through ocean circulation.
LITHOSPHERE
Includes rocks of the crust and mantle, the metallic liquid outer core, and the solid metallic inner core.
Plate tectonics - a theory that Earth’s outer shell is
divided into several plates that glide over the mantle. Driving mechanism Earth’s internal heat
BIOSPHERE
The set of all life forms on Earth
Covers all ecosystems - from the soil to the
rainforest, from mangroves to coral reefs,
and from the plankton-rich ocean surface to
the deep sea
Majority: the base of the food chain
comprises photosynthetic organisms.
