1. Earth as a System

2. Three Types of Systems
Isolated
Closed
Open

3. Three Types of Systems 1. Isolated System
Completely sealed off from its environment , neither matter nor energy passes through its boundaries.
This is an imaginary construct, it is impossible to
create a situation in which no
energy is exchanged between
the system and the
environment. Earth is NOT an
Isolated system.
Under the right conditions it is perhaps conceivable that matter could be sealed out so completely that not even an atom could pass through a barrier, but some transfer of energy is inevitable. The reason is that electromagnetic energy, such as that emitted by the Sun, requires no material medium in which to travel.

4. Three Types of Systems 2. Closed System
Energy can be exchanged with other systems, but not any actual matter.
Maintains itself on a limited
amount of resources that are
enclosed in that particular
system.
On Earth, chemicals (matter)
important to life move in cycles
(Water, Carbon, Nitrogen, and
Rock Cycles)

5. Three Types of Systems 3. Open System
A material system in which mass or energy can be lost to or gained from the environment.
Resources are renewed and exchanged on a
regular basis.
Energy is added and lost
from the Earth.
Energy from sun enters
system (Earth)
Heat energy flows out to
space.

7. 4 Spheres of the Earth

8. Atmosphere Mixture of Mostly Invisible Gases
Extends outward km from Earth’s surface
90% of all gases are within the first 16 km of the atmosphere.
Composition: 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% other gases
Allows life (O2 , CO2)
Protects from UV (Ozone Layer = O3)
CO2 regulates temperature

9. Lithosphere
Physical Features, (mountains, rocks, beaches, ocean floor)
7-70 km thick
Composition:
Aluminum
Potassium
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Silicates

10. Hydrosphere Oceans cover about 70-75% of surface.
½ of 1% is useable fresh water
Formed from degassing and comet impact
All water is recycled (closed system)

11. Biosphere Made up of all living things of the planet
Ex. Protozoa, fish, plants, people, etc.
Encompasses hydrosphere, lower atmosphere, upper lithosphere

12. How many parts of the Earth system can you identify in this image
How many parts of the Earth system can you identify in this image? How do they interact?

13. How do Earth’s spheres interact?
All of the spheres of Earth interact as matter and energy change and cycle through the Earth system.
A result of these interactions is that they make life on Earth possible

14. Review What are the three types of systems? What are Earth’s spheres?
How do satellites help us understand the Earth as a system?
Biosphere 2
Scientists hope that incorporating global satellite data into their computer models will help them better understand the interactive roles of Earth's systems, and help them predict how the Earth's environment will change over time.

15. BIOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE
GEOSPHERE
HYDROSPHERE