Introducing Earth The Earth System What Are the

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Introducing Earth The Earth System

Introducing Earth The Earth System

What Are the Main Parts of the Earth System? �A system is a group

What Are the Main Parts of the Earth System? �A system is a group of parts that work together as a whole.

Earth as a System �The constant flow, or cycling, of matter through the Earth

Earth as a System �The constant flow, or cycling, of matter through the Earth system is driven by energy. �Energy is the ability to do work. �The energy that drives the Earth system has two main sources: heat from the sun and heat flowing out of Earth as it cools.

Parts of the Earth System �The Earth system has four main spheres: the atmosphere,

Parts of the Earth System �The Earth system has four main spheres: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the geosphere, and the biosphere. �As a major source of energy for Earth processes, the sun can be considered part of the Earth system as well. �The four spheres are interconnected.

Atmosphere �Earth’s outermost layer is a mixture of gases – mostly nitrogen and oxygen.

Atmosphere �Earth’s outermost layer is a mixture of gases – mostly nitrogen and oxygen. �Earth’s atmosphere is the relatively thin envelope of gases that forms Earth’s outermost layer.

Geosphere �Nearly all of Earth’s mass is found in Earth’s solid rocks and metals,

Geosphere �Nearly all of Earth’s mass is found in Earth’s solid rocks and metals, in addition to other materials. �Earth’s geosphere has three main parts: � A metal core � A solid middle layer � A rocky outer layer

Hydrosphere �About three quarters of Earth is covered by a relatively thin layer of

Hydrosphere �About three quarters of Earth is covered by a relatively thin layer of water. �The hydrosphere contains all of Earth’s water.

Biosphere �Life exists in all kinds of conditions. �The parts of Earth that contain

Biosphere �Life exists in all kinds of conditions. �The parts of Earth that contain living organisms make up the biosphere.

Feedback Within a System �When feedback occurs, a system returns – or feeds back

Feedback Within a System �When feedback occurs, a system returns – or feeds back – to itself data about a change in the system. �Feedback can increase the effects of a change or slow down the effects. �Feedback demonstrates how changes in one part of the Earth system might affect the other parts.

How Do Constructive and Destructive Forces Change Earth? �Lands are constantly being created and

How Do Constructive and Destructive Forces Change Earth? �Lands are constantly being created and destroyed by competing forces.

Constructive Forces �Forces that construct, or build up, mountains are called constructive forces. �Constructive

Constructive Forces �Forces that construct, or build up, mountains are called constructive forces. �Constructive forces shape the land’s surface by building up mountains and other landmasses. �Volcanoes and earthquakes are considered constructive forces.

Destructive Forces �Because forces such as ice, rain, wind, and changing temperatures wear down,

Destructive Forces �Because forces such as ice, rain, wind, and changing temperatures wear down, or destroy, landmasses, they are called destructive forces. �Destructive forces destroy and wear away landmasses through processes like erosion and weathering. �Erosion is the wearing down and carrying away of land by natural forces such as water, ice, or wind.

�Parts of Earth’s System Lab �Homework is pages 10 & 11

�Parts of Earth’s System Lab �Homework is pages 10 & 11