Earth as a SYSTEM
SYSTEM - A set of interconnected components that are
interacting to form a unified whole.
EXAMPLE of a system- ECOSYSTEM.
(Organisms are interrelated and interacting)
The Earth system is essentially a CLOSED SYSTEM.
A closed system is a system in which
there is only an exchange of heat or
energy and no exchange of matter.
The Earth receives energy from the sun and
returns some of this energy to space.
Components or subsystems
of the Earth system
THE EARTH SUBSYSTEMS
Biosphere Hydrosphere
Geosphere Atmosphere
Major Themes
SCALE ENERGY CYCLE
Scale
Processes in the Earth system act on length scales
of microns to thousands of kilometers, and on
time scales of milliseconds to millions of years.
Major Themes
Energy
The Earth system is powered by one external
source: the Sun
and two internal ones:
- radioactive decay
- gravitational energy (heat still being lost from
planetary formation).
Major Themes
Cycles
Material in the Earth system is continually
recycled in numerous overlapping cycles.
Major Themes
The
Carbon
Cycle
The
Rock
Cycle
The Hydrologic (Water)
Cycle
Includes all life
forms on Earth
Biosphere
It covers all ecosystems—from the soil to the
rainforest, from mangroves to coral reefs,
and from the plankton-rich ocean surface to the
deep sea.
Photosynthesis
The Carbon Cycle
James Lovelock used
the "Daisy World Model"
to illustrate how the
biosphere is capable of
regulating its
environment.
The Albedo Effect …
Dynamic mass of
water that is
continuously on the
move
Hydrosphere
Precipitation, Evaporation, Runoff, Infiltration, etc...
The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle
1. About 70% of the Earth is covered with liquid
water (hydrosphere) and much of it is in the
form of ocean water.
2. Only 3% of Earth's water is fresh: two-thirds
are in the form of ice, and the remaining
one-third is present in streams, lakes, and
groundwater.
Condensation, Precipitation, Evaporation,
Transpiration, Infiltration, Surface Runoff.
The atmosphere is the
thin gaseous layer
that envelopes the
lithosphere.
Atmosphere
The present atmosphere is composed of 78%
nitrogen (N), 21% oxygen (O2), 0.9%
argon, and trace amount of other gases.
One of the most important processes by
which the heat on the Earth's surface is
redistributed is through atmospheric
circulation.
The Solid Earth
extends from the
surface to the center
Geosphere
Connect to Earth
Create a concept map which explains how
the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere,
and biosphere are interconnected.
Use arrows and simple illustrations.
Geosphere
Atmosphere
BiosphereHydrosphere
4.6 Billion Years of
Interaction
The lithosphere
includes the crust and
the upper part of the
mantle.
LITHOSPHERE
Layers of the Earth
CRUST (continental &
oceanic)
MANTLE (upper & lower)
CORE (outer & inner)
Which layer is it?
CRUST
- It’s the light and very thin outer
skin of the Earth.
- The outermost layer where energy
and mineral resources are derived.
Different elements that
compose the Earth’s CRUST
 Oxygen 46.60
 Silicon 27.72
 Aluminum 8.13
 Iron 5.00
 Calcium 3.63
 Sodium 2.83
 Potassium 2.59
 Magnesium 2.09
 Titanium 0.40
 Hydrogen 0.14
MANTLE
- Less dense layer
- Made up of silicate rocks, mostly
made of the elements silicon,
oxygen, iron and magnesium.
CORE
- Denser layer
- the Earth’s magnetic field
- strengthens the idea that the
Earth’s outer core is molten/liquid.
Historical Development of
the concept of EARTH SYSTEM
Sources:
1. Ms. Laguda ppt. (Regional SHS
Mass Training of Grade 11
Teachers)
2.TG Earth & Life Science

Grade 11 Earth & Life Science (Earth System & Subsystems)

Editor's Notes

  • #3  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #4  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #5  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #6  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #7  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #16 Most life is concentrated near the surface *insert photo for biosphere
  • #17 Most life is concentrated near the surface *insert photo for biosphere
  • #18 Most life is concentrated near the surface *insert photo for biosphere
  • #19 Global ocean – 71% *insert photo for hydrosphere
  • #21  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #22 Weather & Climate – Energy exchanges (atmosphere-earth’s surface and atmosphere-space) Lunar surface – has not changed in 3 billion years *insert photo for atmosphere
  • #24 Soil – may be thought of as part of all four spheres *insert photo for geosphere
  • #27 Soil – may be thought of as part of all four spheres *insert photo for geosphere
  • #29 Soil – may be thought of as part of all four spheres *insert photo for geosphere
  • #35  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #36  Photos for the Earth’s spheres
  • #37  Photos for the Earth’s spheres