SYSTEMs
SYSTEMs
Earth
SYSTEM
A set of interconnect components that are interacting to form a unified whole.
TYPES:
1. Isolated
2. Closed
3. Open
SYSTEM
A set of interconnect components that are interacting to form a unified whole.
TYPES:
1. Isolated
2. Closed
3. Open
EARTH SYSTEM
A closed system. It receives energy from the Sun and returns some of this energy to space.
SUBSYSTEMS OF THE EARTH
ATMOSPHERE
The thin gaseous layer.
One of its most important processes by which the heat on the Earth's surface is redistributed through atmospheric circulation.
There is also a constant exchange of heat between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere through the hydrologic cycle
HYDROSPHERE
About 70% of the Earth is covered with liquid water.
Oceans are important for Carbon Dioxide through direct exchange with the atmosphere and indirectly through the weathering of rocks.
Heat is absorbed through ocean circulation.
LITHOSPHERE
Includes rocks of the crust and mantle, the metallic liquid outer core, and the solid metallic inner core.
PLATE TECTONICS
a theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.
Driving mechanism - Earth's internal heat.
BIOSPHERE
the set of all life forms on Earth.
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.
Majority: the base of the food chain comprises photosynthetic organisms.
