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
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The thin gaseous layer.
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One of its most important processes by which the heat on the Earth's surface is redistributed through atmospheric circulation.
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There is also a constant exchange of heat between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere through the hydrologic cycle
HYDROSPHERE
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About 70% of the Earth is covered with liquid water.
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Oceans are important for Carbon Dioxide through direct exchange with the atmosphere and indirectly through the weathering of rocks.
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Heat is absorbed through ocean circulation.
LITHOSPHERE
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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.
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Driving mechanism - Earth's internal heat.
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BIOSPHERE
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the set of all life forms on Earth.
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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.
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Majority: the base of the food chain comprises photosynthetic organisms.
