Flashcards Global Systems and Human Impact

Four Global Systems

Biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere (lithosphere).

Biosphere

The part of Earth where life exists and biota interact.

Atmosphere Composition

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

Hydrosphere Water Distribution

97% salt ocean water and 3% fresh water.

Geosphere / Lithosphere

The solid part of Earth including rocks, minerals, soil, crust, mantle, and core.

Carbon in Spheres

Found in atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere (fossils/rocks), and biosphere.

Photosynthesis

Plants use light energy, CO2, and water to make glucose and oxygen.

Respiration

Cells break down glucose with oxygen to produce ATP, CO2, and water.

Combustion

Fuel reacts rapidly with oxygen to produce heat, CO2, and water.

Deforestation Cause of Global Warming

Removes plants, leaving less CO2 absorbed and increasing atmospheric greenhouse gases.

Mining Environmental Impacts

Destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, and releases stored carbon from rocks.

Fossil Fuels

Non-renewable energy sources like oil, petrol, diesel, coal, and natural gas.

Acid Rain Formation

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water vapour to form strong acids.

Urbanisation Effects

Destroys natural habitats, replaces vegetation with concrete, and increases energy demand.

Acid Rain

Precipitation made acidic by atmospheric pollutants like sulfuric and nitric acid.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Industrial Waste Products

Pollutants like soot, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere.

Non-renewable Fuels

Energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas that cannot be easily replaced.

Troposphere

The lower region of the atmosphere where weather systems and water vapour occur.

Biota

The animal and plant life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.