Earth Systems
What is a system?
System A system is a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.
Open vs. Closed System
Open vs. Closed System Open System a system in which both energy and matter are exchanged with the surroundings. Closed System a system in which energy, but not matter, is exchanged with the surroundings.
Earth as Closed System
Earth as Closed System Earth is a system of matter (stuff) and energy (ability to do work). Earth is a closed system because matter does not enter or exit the system, but energy does. Sealed Jar vs. Aquarium
Earth s Matter?? What are some examples of matter on Earth?
Energy on Earth?? What are some examples of energy on Earth?
Earth as Closed System Earth is a closed system because matter does not enter or exit the system, but energy does. What does this MEAN?
Earth s Spheres What does sphere mean?
Earth s Spheres Sphere: greek word for ball. The names of Earth s four spheres are derived from ancient Greek. The Greek word for ball is spharia, from which the word sphere is derived.
What does each Greek root word mean? Greek Root Word Meaning Sphere Atmos Geo Bios Cryo Lithos Hydro
What does each Greek root word mean? Greek Root Word Sphere Atmos Geo Bios Cryo Lithos Hydro Meaning Ball Vapor Earth Life Icy cold, frost Stone, rock Water
Earth s Spheres Remember this?
Earth s Spheres Can you start to name some of Earth s spheres?
REFLECTION 1) Describe how the spheres of the Earth connect to your understanding of matter. 2) The Earth is a closed system. How does this relate to the Earth s spheres and matter?
Biosphere (life) All forms of life in geosphere/lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere Lithosphere: ex. wolves, people, spiders, bacteria Hydrosphere: ex. fish, whales, seaweed, coral, phytoplankton, plankton, bacteria Atmosphere: birds, bats, butterflies, bacteria Extends from deepest part of oceans to atmosphere
Geosphere (earth) The mostly solid part of Earth Sometimes referred to as Lithosphere (so don t get confused!) Rock and soil on Earth s surface and on ocean floor Solid and molten (liquid) interior
Lithosphere (rock) The lithosphere is the solid, outer part of the Earth. Part of the geosphere. The Earth consists of three main layers: the core, the mantle, and the crust, which includes the continents and ocean floor. The lithosphere is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) deep in most places; includes the brittle upper portion of the mantle and the crust. The lithosphere is always moving, but very slowly. It is broken into huge sections called tectonic plates.
Hydrosphere (water) Earth s water (except in gaseous form) Oceans, lakes, rivers, ground water glaciers, polar ice sheets, etc.
Cryosphere (frozen) Portions of Earth s surface where water is in solid form Includes: sea ice, lake ice, river ice, snow cover, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, and frozen ground (which includes permafrost) Included within the hydrosphere (so don t get confused!)
Atmosphere (vapor) Gases that surround Earth s surface Provides air we breathe Protects from sun s harmful radiation Burns up meteoroids Keeps us warm
Interactions of Four Spheres Spheres are closely connected Birds (biosphere) fly through air (atmosphere) Water (hydrosphere) flows through soil (geosphere) Dogs (biosphere) drink water (hydrosphere) Other examples?
Interactions of Earth s Spheres Earth itself is a CLOSED system (know what that means!) Spheres are open systems
Interactions of Earth s Spheres Matter and energy move between spheres in order to complete certain CYCLES in Earth s system Via: Chemical reactions, radioactive decay, radiation (light and heat), growth and decay of organisms Energy Cycle, Water Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Phosphorous Cycle, and Rock Cycle
What is a Cycle? Cycle: a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.
Energy Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Water Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Rock Cycle