Physical Geography

Physical Processes Affect: Planetary ecosystem Consists of atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, & biosphere Consists of the atmosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, & the biosphere ECOSPHERE:

LITHOSPHERE: g Solid, rocky crust covering entire planet Three main layers:Three main layers: the core, or the inner layerthe core, or the inner layer the mantle, in the middlethe mantle, in the middle the crust, outer layerthe crust, outer layer 100 kilometers (60 miles) deep in most places, includes the brittle upper portion of the mantle and the crust broken to sections called tectonic plates It is broken into huge sections called tectonic plates The movement of the lithosphere, called plate tectonics, is the reason behind a lot of Earth's most dramatic geologic events Always moving; very slowlyAlways moving; very slowly

ATMOSPHERE: 78% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen Just under 21% Oxygen 1% argon, carbon dioxide, & other gasses less than 1% argon, carbon dioxide, & other gasses Water vapor and dust are also part of Earth’s atmosphere Acts as a gigantic filter, keeping out most ultraviolet radiation while letting in the sun’s warming rays air surrounding Earth The air surrounding Earth

HYDROSPHERE: HYDROSPHERE: All the water on or near the Earth The hydrosphere can be liquid, vapor, or iceThe hydrosphere can be liquid, vapor, or ice Exists on the surface in oceans, lakes and riversExists on the surface in oceans, lakes and rivers Exists below ground—as groundwater, in wells & aquifersExists below ground—as groundwater, in wells & aquifers Water vapor is most visible as clouds and fogWater vapor is most visible as clouds and fog

BIOSPHERE: Composed of all living organisms Plants Plants Animals Animals One-celled organisms One-celled organisms Made up of the parts of Earth where life existsMade up of the parts of Earth where life exists Since life exists on the ground, in the air, and in the water, the biosphere overlaps all of Earth’s spheresSince life exists on the ground, in the air, and in the water, the biosphere overlaps all of Earth’s spheres Measures about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from top to bottomMeasures about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from top to bottom Almost all life exists between about 500 meters) below the ocean’s surface to about 6 kilometers above sea level

7 Continents=Africa, Asia, Antarctica, South America, North America, Europe, & Australia 5 Oceans=Southern, Arctic, Pacific, Indian, & Atlantic