The Earth System’s Four SpheresObjectives: 1) Explain the 4 spheres of

Earth2) Explain how the

spheres interact

Introduction Earth is able to support life because the

four spheres interact Atmosphere Geosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere

Energy moves back and forth

The Atmosphere Atmosphere: the

gaseous envelope surrounding Earth Made of a mixture of

gases Provides living things

with oxygen and Carbon Dioxide

Other gases absorb and alter rays from the sun

The Atmosphere Cont’d Due to changing

amounts of water vapor in the atmosphere High or low

humidity Change the

formation of clouds

The Atmosphere Cont’d Atmospheric

pressure causes wind

Storms are caused by water vapor, air pressure and energy

The Atmosphere Cont’d Earth is the only

planet in our solar system that has free oxygen

Supports the life forms

The Geosphere Geosphere: the

physical features of the planet (except water) Inside layers of

Earth Ocean basins

The Geosphere Cont’d Always changing Volcanic eruptions

form new land Mountains are

uplifted and eroded

Continents are always moving

Exit Ticket Explain the atmosphere and geosphere.

The Hydrosphere Hydrosphere: all the water at or near

Earth’s surface Oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice snow

The Hydrosphere Cont’d Only 3% of water

on Earth is freshwater 70% is frozen in

glaciers 30%

Groundwater, lakes, soil, water vapor, river water

½ of 1% is usable fresh water

The Hydrosphere Cont’d All water on Earth

is continuously recycles

The Biosphere Biosphere: the

living things on the planet The interactions

of the geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere make conditions to support life

The Biosphere Cont’d Includes all forms

of life Single-celled

protozoans, jellyfish, redwood trees, people, etc.

The Biosphere Cont’d Humans have

changed the Geosphere Oceans Atmosphere

One sphere can affect another

Exit Ticket Explain the hydrosphere and biosphere.

Interactions Among the Spheres

4 Spheres are constantly moving, changing, and interacting

A change in one sphere affects another

Exit Ticket Explain how interactions change the

spheres.

How Interactions Change the Spheres

Interactions takes many forms Single event Temporary change Constant change

Uniformitarianism: Earth is always changing, forces of change at work in the present is the same as the past

How Interactions Change the Spheres Cont’d Some changes can take thousands or millions

of years Erosion Atmospheric change

How Interactions Change the Spheres Cont’d Shorter changes

Disrupt bird nesting

Flooding Greenhouse Effect

Understanding Check Answer the

following question. Use complete

sentences. You may NOT use

your book. You MAY use your notes.

This is a quiz grade

1) Explain the 4 spheres of Earth.

2) Explain how the spheres interact.