earth's subsystems Flashcards
Contains the entity
of Earth’s living
things. Also
referred as “zone of
life”.
Biosphere
Is the solid outer
section of Earth. It
includes the entire
Earth’s crust and
the rigid upper
mantle.
Lithosphere
The total amount of
water on a planet.
Hydrosphere
The gaseous
blanket of air that
covers, shield and
insulates Earth.
Atmosphere
the outermost layer
of the Earth, encompassing the crust
and the upper part of the mantle. It is
rigid and brittle, and it is divided into
several tectonic plates.
LITHOSPHERE
these are under __
* Pangaea and Continental Drift
* Asthenosphere
* Plate Tectonics
* Plate Boundaries
LITHOSPHERE
was the supercontinent that existed
around 335 million years ago. The concept of
Pangaea is linked to continental drift, proposed
by Alfred Wegener.
Pangaea and Continental Drift -
large-scale horizontal movements of continents
relative to one another and to the ocean basins
during one or more episodes of geologic time.
Pangaea and Continental Drift -
is a semi-fluid layer in the Earth’s mantle
located below the lithosphere. It is partially
molten and allows for the movement of
tectonic plates.
Asthenosphere
is a scientific theory that explains the
movement of the Earth’s lithospheric
plates. It proposes that the Earth’s
lithosphere is divided into several large
plates that move, interact, and cause
geological phenomena (earthquakes)
Plate Tectonics
3 kinds of Plate Boundaries-
Divergent Boundaries:
Convergent Boundaries:
Transform Boundaries:
Plates move away from each
other.
Divergent Boundaries:
Plates move toward each
other.
Convergent Boundaries:
Plates slide past each
other horizontally
❑Transform Boundaries:
THE
3 CRUCIAL
ROLES IN
SUPPORTING AND
SUSTAINING LIFE
ON EARTH OF THE LITHOSPHERE
HABITAT FOR LIFE
NUTRIENT CYCLING
GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
The lithosphere
provides the physical
foundation for
terrestrial ecosystems.
Landforms, such as
mountains, valleys,
and plains, create
diverse habitats for
various species.
HABITAT FOR LIFE
Soil, part of the
lithosphere, is essential for
plant growth. It acts as a
medium for plants to
anchor their roots and a
source of essential
minerals and nutrients.
NUTRIENT CYCLING
Earth’s dynamic
processes, such as plate
tectonics, contribute to the
formation of new
landforms and influence
climate patterns. These
processes impact the
distribution and
adaptation of living
organisms.
GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
6 NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE
LITHOSPHERE
- Deforestation
- Urbanization & Infrastructure Development
- Mining Practices
- Soil Erosion
- Land Subsidence
- Earthquakes
IT IS Clearing large areas of forests for
agriculture, logging, or other
purposes disrupts ecosystems
and reduces biodiversity. Many
species lose their natural habitats,
impacting their ability to survive
and reproduce.
Deforestation
it is the Extensive urbanization and
infrastructure development can
lead to habitat loss and
fragmentation. Natural landscapes
are replaced by buildings, roads,
and other structures, reducing the
availability of suitable habitats for
various organisms.
Urbanization
and Infrastructure Development
it is the Extraction of minerals through
mining activities can disrupt the
natural composition of the soil.
Chemicals used in mining
processes may contaminate the
soil, affecting nutrient availability
and the overall health of
ecosystems.
Mining Practices
it is Human activities such as
deforestation, agriculture, and
construction can lead to increased
soil erosion. Soil erosion disrupts
nutrient-rich topsoil, affecting the
cycling of essential nutrients. This
can result in decreased soil fertility
and negatively impact plant growth.
Soil Erosion
is the Over-extraction of groundwater or
oil and gas can lead to land
subsidence, where the lithosphere
sinks or collapses. This process
can alter landscapes, impact
habitats, and pose risks to
infrastructure.
.
.
Land Subsidence
is the Certain human activities, such as
hydraulic fracturing (fracking) or
reservoir-induced seismicity from
large dams, can induce
earthquakes. These seismic events
may disrupt the lithosphere,
causing ground shaking, landslides,
and potential habitat destruction.
Earthquakes
Induced by Human Activities
a layer of gases that
surrounds the Earth.
ATMOSPHERE
is
made up of different gases.
ATMOSPHERE
It is composed of
a mixture of different gases, including
nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%),
argon (about 0.93%), carbon dioxide, and
trace amounts of other gases such as water
vapor, methane, ozone, and various
pollutants.
ATMOSPHERE
the 5 layers of teh atmosphere from innermost up to the outermost layer
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere
Altitude Range:
0 to approximately 8-15 kilometers (0 to 5-9 miles)
Characteristics:
This is the layer closest to the Earth’s surface and
contains the majority of the atmosphere’s mass. Weather
events, such as clouds, precipitation, and storms, occur in
the troposphere. Temperature generally decreases with
altitude.
Troposphere
Altitude Range:
Approximately 15 to 50 kilometers (9 to 31 miles)
Characteristics:
The is known for the presence of the
ozone layer, which absorbs and protects against the majority of
the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike the
troposphere, temperature increases with altitude in this layer.
Contains 80% of the total mass of the atmosphere.
Stratosphere
Altitude Range:
Approximately 50 to 85 kilometers (31 to 53 miles)
Characteristics:
is where most meteorites burn up
upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Temperatures start
decreasing again with altitude in this layer.
Mesosphere
Altitude Range:
Approximately 85 to 600 kilometers (53 to 373 miles)
Characteristics:
The is characterized by a significant
increase in temperature due to the absorption of solar radiation.
However, despite the high temperatures, the low density of
particles in this layer means that it would not feel hot to a
human. The International Space Station orbits within the lower
thermosphere.
Thermosphere
2 effects of thermosphere
Ionosphere
Auroras
is a region within the Earth’s atmosphere that
contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons.
Composed of ionized particles, primarily ions and free electrons.
Solar radiation, especially in the form of ultraviolet (UV) light, is
responsible for ionizing the gas molecules in this region.
Ionosphere
The ionosphere is involved in the formation of ____
such as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights
Solar wind particles interact with the ionosphere,
causing the release of energy in the form of light.
Auroras
Altitude Range:
Approximately 600 kilometers and beyond (373 miles
and beyond)
Characteristics:
The is the outermost layer of the Earth’s
atmosphere, gradually transitioning into outer space. It has
extremely low density, and the few particles present can escape
into space. Satellites and other objects in orbit are found in this
layer.
Exosphere
4 crucial roles in supporting and sustaining in the ATMOSPHERE
Oxygen and Respiration
Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthesis
Climate Regulation
Protective Layer
it is when the atmosphere contains
oxygen, which is essential for
the respiration of many
organisms, including humans.
Organisms extract oxygen from
the air to support their
metabolic processes.
Oxygen and Respiration
its is when Plants and certain microorganisms utilize
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
during photosynthesis, converting it into
oxygen and organic compounds. This
process is vital for the production of food
and the maintenance of atmospheric oxygen levels.
Carbon Dioxide and Photosynthesis
it is when the atmosphere plays a critical
role in regulating Earth’s
temperature through the
greenhouse effect. It helps
maintain a suitable climate for
diverse forms of life.
Climate Regulation
it is when the atmosphere acts as a
protective shield by absorbing and
scattering solar radiation, reducing
the intensity of harmful ultraviolet
(UV) rays. This protection is crucial
for preventing damage to living organisms.
Protective Layer
6 Negative Effects on Atmosphere
Air Pollution
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Ozone Depletion
Acid Rain
Loss of Biodiversity
Global Warming and Climate Change
contamination of the indoor or
outdoor environment by any
chemical, physical or biological
agent that modifies the natural
characteristics of the atmosphere.
Household combustion devices,
motor vehicles, industrial facilities
and forest fires are common sources of ____
Air Pollution
the 2 gases emitted due to green house gases
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O):
this is the gas where the burning of fossil
fuels for energy and deforestation contribute
to elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):