Water and carbon cycles as natural systems

What are the four major systems within earth?

- Atmospheric system- interaction of the gases around the planet

- Hydrosphere system- interaction of water on our planet

- Biosphere system- interaction of biological life with our planet

- Lithosphere system- interaction of the solid, semi-solid, and liquid land of the planet’s crust

What is meant by cascading systems?

Cascading systems can be thought of as a series of subsystems linked together. The earth as a whole can be thought of as a ‘closed’ system. From earth we can then think of smaller scales. For example: the atmosphere to the mountainous regions to the drainage basin to the sea or lake back to the atmosphere. Systems continually cycle with energy and matter moving between them.

Draw out the water cycle

Draw out the carbon cycle