1. Earth System Science Earth is a dynamic system
Has many interacting subsystems
Goal is to study all branches (i.e. chemistry, biology, geology) to understand and solve many global environmental problems

2. What is a System?
Any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole.
Natural systems are driven by sources of energy that:
Move matter and/or energy from one place to another
Natural systems are open systems:
Both energy and matter flow into and out of the system

3. Energy
Earth system:
Sun – drives external processes that occur in atmosphere, hydrosphere, and at surface.
Interior – powers internal processes that produce volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains
heat that remains from time earth was formed
heat continuously generated by decay of radioactive elements

4. Earth’s Systems Interact
Volcano erupts
Lava may flow out at surface and block nearby valley
Could create a lake or cause streams to change course
Volcanic ash can blow high into atmosphere
result in drop in air temps

5. Earth’s Systems Interact
Humans are part of the Earth system!
Our actions have affects on all other systems
Burn coal and gasoline
Build breakwaters along a shoreline
Dispose of our wastes
Clear land

6. People and Environment
Environment – everything that surrounds and influences an organism
Biological & Social
Nonliving
Water, air, soil, rock, humidity, temp, sunlight

7. Environmental Resources
Water and soil
Metallic and nonmetallic minerals
Energy

8. Renewable Resources
Can be replenished over relatively short time spans
Plants and animals - food
Natural fibers – clothing
Forest products – lumber & paper
Energy from flowing water, wind, sun

9. Nonrenewable Resources
Continue to form, but processes are so slow it takes millions of years for significant deposits to accumulate
Metals – iron, aluminum, copper
Fuels – oil, natural gas, coal

10. Population Until 19th century – pop. Under 1 billion
By 2010 – estimated at 7 billion
Increase population = increase demand for resources
Rate of mineral & energy resource usage increasing faster than population.
Can alternatives be found?

11. Environmental problems
Air pollution
Acid rain
Ozone depletion
Global warming
Loss of fertile soils – erosion
Disposal of toxic wastes
Contamination and depletion of water recources

12. Environmental Problems
Natural hazards:
Earthquakes
Landslides
Floods
Hurricanes
Drought