Earth’s Major Spheres

Hydrosphere

All forms of water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, snow, glaciers, water underneath the surface, and water vapor in the air.

Lithosphere

The solid, rocky parts of the Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core.

Atmosphere

The gaseous part of Earth that protects living things from harmful UV radiation and regulates heat.

Biosphere

All living things on Earth, encompassing terrestrial and aquatic life.

Interconnectedness

The concept that nothing on Earth works in isolation, and all spheres affect each other.

Evaporation

The process where water turns into vapor due to heat.

Condensation

The process where water vapor cools and turns into clouds.

Precipitation

The process where water falls back to Earth as rain or snow.

Coriolis effect

The change in the direction of moving air or water due to Earth's rotation.

Convection currents

The movement of air created by warm air rising and cool air sinking.

Surface currents

Ocean currents that move thermal energy around Earth, created by wind.

Global winds system

The system of winds created by the uneven heating of Earth's surface.