The Spheres of Earth The Atmosphere The Lithosphere

The Spheres of Earth • The Atmosphere • The Lithosphere • The Hydrosphere • The Biosphere

The Spheres of Earth • When viewed from near, you can see that Earth is surrounded by a thin gas layer swirling with clouds. This represents one Sphere of Earth – the Atmosphere. • The three Spheres of Earth which allow for life are: – Atmosphere – Lithosphere – Hydrosphere

The Spheres of Earth • Unlike the Moon, Earth’s gravity is so strong, it is able to hold gases close to the surface. – Why is Earth’s gravity more than the Moon’s?

The Atmosphere • Earth’s atmosphere is the layer of gases extending upward for hundreds of kilometers. • It is made of about 78% nitrogen gas (N 2), 21% oxygen gas (O 2) and the remaining 1% is argon, water vapour, CO 2, etc.

The Atmosphere • Is critical to life on Earth • It acts like a blanket providing us with moderate temperatures, protecting us from solar radiation, and ultraviolet light • Without it we couldn’t survive

The Lithosphere • Is the rocky outer shell of Earth containing the rocks and minerals that make up mountains, ocean floors and the land • It ranges from 50 – 150 km in thickness

The Hydrosphere • All the water on, above and below Earth’s surface • Includes all oceans, lakes, ice, groundwater, and clouds

The Biosphere • Describes the locations in which life can exist within the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere including several kilometers below the Earth’s surface

Bill Nye - Atmosphere