Download Earth as a System - staff.harrisonburg.k12.va

What is Earth Science?
What are the Earth System’s four Spheres?
What are cycles and how do they work?
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System: A kind of model often used to
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Closed System: ENERGY enters and may leave,
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Open System: ENERGY and MATTER are free
describe the natural world.
but MATTER does not leave
to enter and leave
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Volcano

Energy is released, matter released as lava

Light bulb

Electrical Energy enters, light is released
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Tree



Sunlight, water, & Carbon Dioxide in, water and oxygen
released, seeds and leaves drop to ground
Ocean
Sunlight enters, water enters through runoff and
precipitation, water leaves through evaporation

Boiling Water

Heat enters, heat and vapors are released
 Population
 Resources
 Impact
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Science helps educate us and find solutions!!!

Atmosphere: gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth.
Provides Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide, also absorbs and blocks
harmful radiation. Where all weather occurs.
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Geosphere: all physical features of the Earth (except
water) such as rocks, mineral resources, metals, mountains,
beaches, and lithospheric plates.
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Hydrosphere: Includes all of Earth’s water including
oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, it is continually
recycled. 97% salt water, 3% fresh water, 1% usable.

Biosphere: All living things
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
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The movement of Energy into and out of the
Earth System
A.K.A. The Energy Budget
Balance is the Key: equal energy in and out
99.985% of total energy
It comes from nuclear
reactions in the sun
Drives winds, ocean
currents, waves, and
weather.

Geo means Earth
Thermal means Heat
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0.013%



Drives the movement of Earth’s
crust, Volcanoes, Earthquakes,
and Geysers
Important role in the Rock Cycle

0.002% of the energy budget

Results from the moon’s pull on the

Powerful enough to slow down the Earth
Earth’s oceans