The Four Spheres and the Environment
The Four Spheres and the Environment
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Our environment can be divided into 4 different interdependent parts.
Our environment can be divided into 4 different interdependent parts.
The geosphere contains rocks and minerals.
The biosphere contains living things.
The hydrosphere contains water.
The atmosphere contains air and gases.
The spheres are so closely connected that a change in one sphere often results in a change in one or more of the other spheres.
The spheres are so closely connected that a change in one sphere often results in a change in one or more of the other spheres.
Such changes that take place within an ecosystem are referred to as events.
Such changes that take place within an ecosystem are referred to as events.
Example Events
Example Events
A volcano is spewing tons of gases and ash into the sky
A volcano is spewing tons of gases and ash into the sky
Geosphere and Atmosphere
Water is condensing to form clouds
Water is condensing to form clouds
Hydrosphere and Atmosphere
A river wears away the clay of a riverbank
A river wears away the clay of a riverbank
Hydrosphere and Geosphere
Plants extract nutrients from the soil
Plants extract nutrients from the soil
Biosphere and Geosphere
Earth As A System
Earth As A System
A system is a collection of interdependent (things that rely on each other) parts enclosed within a defined boundary. Within the boundary of the Earth are the 4 spheres.
A system is a collection of interdependent (things that rely on each other) parts enclosed within a defined boundary. Within the boundary of the Earth are the 4 spheres.
This understanding allows people to predict things like how far and in what direction the lava will flow or the storm surge will rise and help them to evaluate their options throughout the time period of the event.
This understanding allows people to predict things like how far and in what direction the lava will flow or the storm surge will rise and help them to evaluate their options throughout the time period of the event.
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