1. Earth Surface Systems A system is a structured set of objects that are linked together so as to perform some function. System components are linked by flows of energy, matter or information. All systems show some degree of integration. Systems have boundaries in space and time. Systems are a simplification of the totality that is the Earth, that allow us to study the relationships within a smaller portion of it.

2. The Ecosphere after Huggett et al. 2004 The biosphere: –all living things that interact with each other to form communities and with their surroundings to form ecosystems The atmosphere: –a shell of dusty gas that surrounds the earth and moves according to the general circulation. The hydrosphere: –the waters of the earth that are linked through the hydrological cycle The pedosphere: –The soil layer that sits at the interface of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere (outermost layers of the Earth’s rocks)

3. Earth Surface Systems: Cycles atmosphere hydrospherepedosphere biosphere Water cycling Water cycling Weathering & dust cycling Water, mineral & nutrient cycling Water & mineral cycling Solar radiation Gas cycling

4. Major earth cycles Energy cycles Water cycle Sediment cycle Geochemical cycles –(e.g. C, O, N)

5. Vertical Cycles atmosphere Co 2 O2O2 land surface solar radiation oceans atmosphere vegetation Short wave Long wave precipitation evaporation

6. The annual pattern of solar radiation absorption at the Earth's surface for the year 1987 Source: Pidwirney online

7. Horizontal Transfers Warm oceans Highland areas Lowland areas Cold oceans Water Sediment Dissolved minerals

8. Ocean currents

10. Earth Surface Systems: Cycles