Earth as a System
In the past, Earth Science was broken up into individual areas Biology Life Geology Earth (Rocks) Oceanography Oceans Meteorology Weather Vulcanology Volcanoes
Scientists realized that no area is in isolation. Instead, they interact in a complex system
Humans can pollute the atmosphere and the oceans
Volcanoes can throw ash miles into the air
Sea-floor vents have become homes for ocean life
Earth System Science All of these separate areas interact Earth cannot be looked at as different parts How do they interact? We need to create a model of the Earth’s Systems We need: Technology Satellites Computers Submarines
Systems vs. Models System: A piece of the Universe that can be studied separately from everywhere else. Models are the way we describe a system. Models can be used to predict the past and future of systems.
Open vs. Closed Systems There are two types of systems: Closed Open
Closed Systems Energy may enter, but mass must remain constant Examples: Closed Jars Submarines
Open Systems Open systems may exchange both energy and matter Examples: Boiling water Islands
Systems Open Closed Refrigerator City Classroom Light bulb Oceans Earth
Earth is a (essentially) a closed system Energy enters as light from the sun and stars Energy leaves as heat and light Matter enters as meteors Matter leaves as Hydrogen atoms, satellites, rockets
Earth System Science is studied: As individual and isolated parts As a complex system involving many interactions
A system is… A piece of the Universe that can be studied separately from everywhere else. The way we describe a complex interaction.
A model is… A piece of the Universe that can be studied separately from everywhere else. The way we describe a complex interaction.
A closed system means that… Energy may enter and leave, but mass must remain constant Both energy and mass can enter and leave
An open system means that… Energy may enter and leave, but mass must remain constant Both energy and mass can enter and leave
Your body is a(n) ________ system. Open Closed