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.
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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.
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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.
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Oceans are important sinks for CO2 through direct exchange with the atmosphere and indirectly
through the weathering of rocks.
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Heat is absorbed and redistributed on the surface of the Earth through ocean circulation.
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LITHOSPHERE
Includes rocks of the crust and mantle, the metallic liquid outer core, and the solid metallic inner core.
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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
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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.
