1. The Earth’s Spheres
1
What are the 4 primary components of
planet Earth?

2. The Earth’s Spheres
2
Water Life Air Land

4. The Earth’s Spheres
4
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Atmosphere
Lithosphere

6. The Atmosphere
6
The atmosphere is
the layer of gases
surrounding the
Earth.

7. The Atmosphere
7
It is composed of:
78% N2
21% O2
1% other gases (Ar, H2O, CO2, etc.)

8. The Atmosphere
8
Why is the atmosphere important?
•It moderates temperatures on Earth’s
surface.
•It blocks some incoming solar radiation.

9. 9
The Atmosphere

10. The Lithosphere
10
The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of
the Earth.

11. The Lithosphere
11
It includes mountains and ocean
floors, and ranges from 50km to 150km
thick.

12. The Lithosphere
12
It contains many valuable resources, such
as metals, minerals, and fossil fuels.

13. The Lithosphere

14. The Hydrosphere
14
The hydrosphere is all of the water on
Earth.

15. The Hydrosphere
15
It includes
lakes, oceans, clouds, ice, snow, and
groundwater.

16. The Hydrosphere
16
97% of the Earth’s water is contained in its
oceans.

17. The Biosphere
17
The Biosphere is any zone around Earth
where life can exist.

18. The Biosphere
18
The biosphere must exist within the other
3 spheres.

19. The Gaia Hypothesis
19
The Gaia Hypothesis believes that the
Earth is able to act like a living being.
Mother Earth

20. The Gaia Hypothesis
20
As a living being, the Earth can react to
changes in or around it and regulate itself
over time.

21. The Gaia Hypothesis
21
The Gaia Hypothesis is not fact, but the perception of Earth as
a living thing promotes awareness and stewardship for Earth.