CHAPTER 1

The 5 spheres of the Earth

Atmosphere, Geosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere

Atmosphere

A layer of gases that surrounds astronomical objects and is held in place by gravity

Gases of the Atmosphere

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases

What are the 5 main layers of the atmosphere?

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

Troposphere > Stratosphere > Mesosphere > Thermosphere > Exosphere

What is the hierarchical layer of the atmosphere? (lowest to highest)

The lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most weather and clouds form

Troposphere

Stratosphere

The part of the atmosphere that absorbs UV radiation and contains the ozone layer. Above the Troposphere

Mesosphere

The third layer of the atmosphere, the coldest layer where most meteors burn up. Above the Stratosphere

Thermosphere

The portion of the Earth's atmosphere where there are extremely high temperatures due to the absorption of solar radiation. Where aurora borealis and australis occur. Located above the Mesosphere.

Exosphere

The outermost layer of the thermosphere, where gas molecules gradually extend to space.

Geosphere

The entire solid Earth

Components of the Geosphere

Crust, Mantle, Core

Crust

The outermost layer of the Earth that makes up the continents and the ocean floor

Mantle

The thickest layer is composed of semi-molten rock and filled with convection currents that shift tectonic plates.

Core

The innermost layer composed of hot solid mass of iron and nickle that generates the Earth's magnetic field.

Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Cryosphere

What sphere(s) does the Geosphere interact with?

Tectonic Shifting, Volcanic Activity, and Erosion

What are the processes of the Geosphere?

How do humans interact with the Geosphere?

Burning fossil fuels, waste disposal, and land use

Biosphere

Where living organisms exist

Atmosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Cryosphere

What sphere(s) does the Biosphere interact with?

What are the characteristics of the Biosphere?

- It encompasses all life

- living organisms are interconnected with each other, along with non-living elements

- the sphere is constantly evolving

- it's significantly impacted by human activity for better or worse

Hydrosphere

All the water on earth

What are some components of the Hydrosphere?

- Oceans/Seas (the largest part)

- Freshwater

- Ice

- Atmospheric Water

- Groundwater

Importance of the Hydrosphere

- Sustains life

- Regulates Climate

- Drives the Water Cycle

- Interacts with other spheres

Hydrosphere’s Climate Regulation

The water vapor is a greenhouse gas that absorbs heat and radiates it back into the Earth's surface, creating humidity.

Cryosphere

All frozen water on Earth

Snow covers, ice sheets, glaciers, permafrost, and icebergs

What does the Cryosphere consist of?

Roles of the Cryosphere

- Climate Regulation

- Water Resource

- Habitat Provision

Snow and ice are highly reflective and bounce solar radiation back into space.

How does the Cryosphere regulate climate?

How does Climate Change Impact the Cryosphere

- Sea Level rise (melting ice)

- Coastal erosion and flooding (result of melting ice)

- Freshwater contamination

- Extreme weather

Earth Science

All sciences that collectively seeks in understanding Earth and its place in the solar system

Geology

The study of Earth

Oceanography

The study of oceans

Meteorology

The study of the atmosphere

Astronomy

The study of the universe

System

Any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole

Cause and effect relationship

Changing one sphere affects the others

Natural Hazard

A natural event that can happen anywhere on Earth and poses a threat to life, property, or the environment.