Chapter 2

The Earth consists of Rock, water air and living things that all interact with each other

Biosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Geosphere

Geosphere The Geosphere consists of all rock (solid and liquid) as well as the soils ON THE Earth’s surface Most of the Geosphere is located in the earths interior. It is 12756 km from one side of the geosphere to the other if you go through the center of the Earth.

Layers Based on Composition (or Chemistry) Crust – Outermost layer made of lightweight materials Mantle – The in-between layer made up of dense iron rich materials Core – The inner most layer composed of dense iron and nickle

Layers Based on Physical Characteristics Lithosphere – Cool outermost layer divided into tectonic plates Asthenosphere – A pliable solid layer (much like warm plastic) that flows very slowly Mesosphere – The middle layer Outer Core – Outer shell of the Earths core (liquid) Inner Core – 4,000 to 5,400 degrees Celsius and solid due to the emormous pressure that is being applied to it. (this creates the Earths magnetic Field that protects us from charged particles being produced by the Sun.

Plate Tectonics The lithosphere is divided into pieces called plate tectonics that glide across the asthenosphere like ice on a pond. Some major plates are: North American Plate South American Plate African Plate Eurasian Plate

Plate Tectonics Much of the geologic activity at the surface of the Earth takes place at these plate boundaries. This is due to plates colliding and slipping past on another. Examples: Volcaoes Earthquakes Mountain Building

Mount Everest

Volcanoes Global Effects: Can propel ash and sulfur rich gases into the upper atmosphere. This can block out sunlight and lower global temperatures Volcanoes

Weathering and Erosion On the Earths Surface Rocks are altered by other forces: Weathering (chemical and Mechanical) – wearing down of rocks over time. Erosion (wind and water) – the transportation of materials from one area to another

Atmosphere A mixture of Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases that surrounds the Earth

Atmosphere The atmosphere is in flux as gases are being added and removed constantly by living and nonliving factors

Atmospheric Composition 78% Nitrogen from Volcanoes and organic decay 21% Oxygen from photosynthesis Trace amounts of Carbon Dioxide, Argon, Methane, Water Vapor and a variety of others

Air Pressure The atmosphere is pulled to the Earth by gravity The higher you go into the atmosphere the less dense the air becomes. Most of the molecules are within 30km of the Earths surface

Layers of the Atmosphere Joe Kittinger

4 Atmospheric layers based on temperature change. Thermosphere (Highest) Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere (Lowest) The atmosphere becomes less dense the farther you travel from Earth.

Troposphere Troposphere Lowest level Most dense Where most weather occures Where most life exists

Stratosphere Above the troposphere Ozone Layer is present

Mesosphere Above the stratosphere Coldest Layer

Thermosphere The highest layer The least dense layer Hottest Layer (but you wouldn’t know it) Auroras take place here in an area of the thermosphere called the ionosphere

Energy in the Atmosphere Energy from the sun is transferred through the atmosphere in 3 ways: Radiation Conduction Convection

Radiation - the transfere of energy as electromagnetic waves Conduction – the movement of energy in the form of heat when two things are placed in direct contact with each other Convection – the movement of matter due to differences in density that are caused by temperature variations; can result in the transfer of energy in the form of heat

Greenhouse Effect Some of the gases in our atmosphere (greenhouse gases) can trap heat. Some of the most abundant of these are water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane. Linked to Climate change Needed for life to exist on Earth

Greenhouse Effect

Hydrosphere

Hydrosphere Water cycle: Consists of three major processes: Evaporation Condensation Precipitation

Hydrosphere Earth’s Oceans – 70% of the Earth is covered by 1 interconnected “world ocean” More than 70% of Earth is covered in water. 97% of it is Salt water and 3% Fresh water

Surface water – ponds, lakes, and streams 2/3 or 66% of Freshwater is in our ice caps. As our ice caps melt our freshwater decreases and our saltwater increases. Surface water – ponds, lakes, and streams Groundwater - aquifers

Surface Zone – Warm top layer Thermocline – water in this layer drops faster with increased depth then other zones Deep Zone – Temperature in this zone averages 2 degrees Celsius.

The Ocean as a Temperature Moderator One of the most important functions of the ocean is to absorb and store energy from sunlight and regulate the temperature of the Earths atmosphere

Surface Currents – Wind created Deep Currents – created by the differences created by cold dense water and warm less dense water

1.4 The Biosphere Anywhere that life can and is supported. It is 20 km thick

Spheres Interact Lithosphere interacts with the Hydrosphere when toxins from a factory run off into a water system and poison fish in a body of water Hydrosphere interacts with the Atmosphere when water evaporates and forms clouds Atmosphere interacts with the Lithosphere when acid rain falls and dissolves limestone

This grouped ecosystem services into four broad categories: An ecosystem service is the role that ecosystems play in creating a healthful environment for humans.  This grouped ecosystem services into four broad categories: Provisioning - such as the production of food and water  Regulating - such as the control of climate and disease  Supporting - such as nutrient cycles and crop pollination Cultural - such as spiritual and recreational benefits.