Earth System Science

What is a system? A system is any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole. What are some examples of systems?

Open vs Closed Systems Open System An open system is when matter and energy can enter and exit the system.

One example of an open system is an island One example of an open system is an island. Rainfall enters the system and can also exit the system as runoff.

Open vs Closed Systems Closed System A closed system is when only energy (sunlight) enters and exits the system

One example of a completely closed system is a Submarine One example of a completely closed system is a Submarine. No matter enters or exits. Air remains inside the submarine and water remains outside of the submarine.

Is Earth an Open or Closed System?

Earth is a Closed System. WHY? Earth receives energy from the sun and reflects most of it back into space. It also creates energy in the Earth’s interior. The reason why it isn’t entirely closed is that some matter is exchanged. The atmosphere loses several hydrogen ions to space. Matter enters the system occasionally through meteorites.

What does this mean for us? One consequence of Earth being a closed system is that our resources are limited to that we have on this planet. Renewable resources can be replenished over a short time period. Ex. Non renewable resources are still forming, BUT, they are forming too slowly to replenish themselves. Some take millions of years to form. Ex.

How Do Scientists View the Earth? A collection of parts, or integrated whole?

August 23, 1966,- the first view of the Earth from Space via Lunar Orbiter I

The Geosphere The cold, hard land on the planet’s crust; the semi-solid matter under the crust, and the liquid core Includes: Mountains, rocks, minerals, beaches All solid & natural physical features Constantly changing (slowly)

Hydrosphere All of the solid, liquid (and gaseous) water on the planet. Includes oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, glaciers What percentage of Earth’s water is FRESH? ONLY 3%! <1% usable by humans, 70% frozen as glacial ice

Atmosphere The gaseous envelope surrounding the earth Oxygen presence is unique in solar system The air in the Earth’s system: Extends from 1m below earth surface to 10,000 Km above earth surface. Responsible for winds and absorption of harmful radiation What sphere do Clouds belong?

Biosphere All the living things on the planet All microorganisms, plants, & animals Interactions of the Atmosphere, Geosphere and Hydrosphere make it possible for the Biosphere to exist on Earth!

How do the four spheres interact?