Earth's Four Spheres

Question 1

Identify and define the four spheres

Answer 1

• Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide).
• Hydrosphere: All of Earth’s water, in liquid, solid, or gaseous form (oceans, rivers, ice, clouds).
• Lithosphere: The Earth’s solid outer layer, including the crust and the upper mantle.
• Biosphere: All living organisms and ecosystems on Earth.

Question 2

Describe the processes that occur in Atosphere

Answer 2

Gases interact with solar radiation to maintain Earth’s climate.

Processes that occur:
* Weather
* wind patterns
* greenhouse effect

Question 3

Describe the processes that occur in Biosphere

Answer 3

• Photosynthesis
• respiration
• nutrient cycling
• ecological interactions.

Question 4

Describe the processes that occur in Hydrosphere

Answer 4

The water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation)
Water can also transports heat and minerals.

Question 5

Describe the processes that occur in Lithosphere

Answer 5

• Plate tectonics
• volcanic activity
• mountain building
• earthquakes
• soil formation.

Question 6

Describe an interaction between the Earth’s four spheres

i.e. how they impact on eachother

Answer 6

1. volcanic eruptions (Lithosphere) impact the atmosphere through gas emissions. It can also change the soil quality and affecting the biosphere. And the hydrosphere gets effected by influencing cloud formation and storm intensity.
2. the lithosphere provides a stable foundation for coral growth, the hydrosphere delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the corals, the atmosphere influences weather patterns that affect sea temperature and acidity levels crucial for coral survival, and the biosphere thrives within and around the coral reefs, creating diverse ecosystems.