How Earth’s Four Subsystems Interact WWK How Earth’s Four Subsystems Interact

The Subsystems The Earth is made up of four subsystems: The lithosphere is comprised of all of the earth’s land. The hydrosphere is comprised of all of the earth’s water. The atmosphere is comprised of all the gases surrounding the earth. The biosphere is comprised of all of the earth’s living organisms.

Lithosphere The hydrosphere affects the lithosphere through erosion, the weathering of rocks from water flow. The atmosphere affects the lithosphere through erosion, the weathering of rocks from wind. The biosphere affects the lithosphere through vegetation cover on the soil preventing erosion by holding the it in place with roots.

Hydrosphere The hydrosphere is affected by underwater volcanoes in the lithosphere erupting, thus warming the water and releasing chemicals. The atmosphere and the hydrosphere exchange water vapor and heat through evaporation. The hydrosphere and the biosphere interact when organisms drink the water of the hydrosphere.

Atmosphere The lithosphere and the atmosphere interact by volcanoes releasing various gasses and dust particles into the air, which can reflect sunlight and create a cooling affect on the atmosphere. The hydrosphere and the atmosphere interact through the water cycle which involves evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. The biosphere affects the atmosphere through the respiration of animals outputting CO2 into the air.

Biosphere The lithosphere affects the biosphere by earthquakes killing living organisms. The hydrosphere can affect the biosphere by wiping out populations with tsunamis and by providing living organisms with drinkable water. The atmosphere and the biosphere interact by the later creating a cycle of O2 and CO2 in the atmosphere.

Which subsystem is most influenced by erosion? KS Which subsystem is most influenced by erosion?