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Unit 1: Formation of the Earth, Lecture notes of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

Brandeis UniversityEarth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

The geosphere is the solid Earth that includes the continental and ocean crust as well the various layers of Earth's interior.

Typology: Lecture notes

2021/2022

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Unit 1: Formation of the Earth
Objectives:
E2.1A - Explain why the Earth is essentially a closed system.
E2.1B - Analyze the interactions between the major systems (geosphere,
atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) that make up the Earth.
E2.1C - Explain, using specific examples, how a change in one system affects
other Earth systems.
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Unit 1: Formation of the Earth

Objectives:

E2.1A - Explain why the Earth is essentially a closed system.

E2.1B - Analyze the interactions between the major systems (geosphere,

atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) that make up the Earth.

E2.1C - Explain, using specific examples, how a change in one system affects

other Earth systems.

The Earth System*

Scientists consider Earth to

be an essentially closed

system.

However, we know that

Earth is not an entirely

closed system as our

atmosphere loses hydrogen

atoms to space and asteroids,

comets, and meteoroids enter

the atmosphere from space.

Earth Systems Overview*

The Earth is a system consisting of four major interacting components:

  • the atmosphere,
  • the biosphere,
  • the hydrosphere, and
  • (^) the geosphere Let’s examine each of these four spheres in detail………

The Atmosphere

The Earth is surrounded by a blanket of air, which we call the atmosphere.

  • The atmosphere consists of four unique layers (the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere).
  • The atmosphere reaches over 560 kilometers (348 miles) up from the surface of the Earth.
  • The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). Other components exist in small quantities.

Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere contains all the water found on our planet.

  • Water found on the surface of our planet includes the ocean as well as water from lakes and rivers, streams, and creeks.
  • Water found under the surface of our planet includes water trapped in the soil and groundwater.
  • Water found in our atmosphere includes water vapor.
  • Frozen water on our planet includes ice caps and glaciers.
  • Only about 3% of the water on Earth is “fresh” water, and about 70% of the fresh water is frozen in the form of glacial ice.

Geosphere

The geosphere is the solid Earth that includes the continental and ocean crust as well the various layers of Earth’s interior.

  • 94% of the Earth is composed of the elements oxygen, silicon, and magnesium.
  • The geopsphere is not static (unchanging), but its surface (crust) is in a constant state of motion.
  • Mineral resources are mined from the geosphere.

System Interactions*

Volcanoes (geosphere) erupt, sending ash and gases into the air (atmosphere) and sending lava and ash down onto surrounding forests (biosphere) and human habitations (biosphere). Geosphere Atmosphere Biosphere

System Interactions*

Hurricanes (atmosphere) sweep across the ocean (hydrosphere) and onto the land (geosphere), damaging the dwellings of people (biosphere) who live along the coast. Atmosphere Hydrosphere Geosphere Biosphere