Earths Global Systems Flashcards
1
Q
What controls the earths systems?
A
The interaction of different spheres controls the earths systems
2
Q
What is the atmosphere?
A
- Divided into 4 different layers
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
3
Q
What does the atmosphere provide?
A
- Provides life to earth
- Receives solar energy from solar which increases temp
- Earth is only planet to have atmosphere
4
Q
What is the biosphere?
A
- Home to organic life on earth
- Extinction of species is to do with changes to biosphere
- Humans can affect the structure
5
Q
What is the lithosphere?
A
- Composed of rocks and minerals to form earths crust and upper section of mantle
6
Q
What is the pedosphere?
A
Top layer of the lithosphere - soil
7
Q
What is the hydrosphere?
A
- Includes water which is on the surface of the planet, underground and in the air
8
Q
What is the critical zone?
A
- The heterogenous, shallow band of environment where the land, water and atmosphere interact
- Processes in the critical zone regulate the cycling of nutrients, biomass production and water storage and availability
9
Q
What is geomorphology?
A
- Looks at changes of landscapes and surfaces
- it measures and monitors the flux of landscapes in relation to external forces and internal mechanisms
