Download Whole Earth System Science Notes

What is Whole Earth
System Science?
Whole Earth System
Science Is…
• The concept that the earth is
comprised of interacting components
or subsystems.
The Main Systems
• Biosphere = the realm of all living things on
earth, including humans.
• Geosphere = the realm of all non-living
aspects of the earth. The geosphere is
divided into 3 subsystems;
– The lithosphere
– The atmosphere
– The hydrosphere
The 4 Spheres
Biosphere
Hydrosphere
Lithosphere
Atmosphere
The Biosphere
“Life” sphere
• The biosphere consists of the
totality of life forms on earth.
– This includes all plants, animals, and
humans.
The Lithosphere
“Land” sphere
• The lithosphere is the rigid outer
layer of the earth that includes the
crust and uppermost part of the
mantle.
The Atmosphere
“Air” sphere
• The atmosphere is the gaseous
portion of the planet, the planets
envelope of air.
The Hydrosphere
“Water” sphere
• The hydrosphere is the water portion
of the planet.
– This includes all oceans, lakes, rivers,
streams, ponds, snow, ice.
The Cryosphere
“Frozen” sphere
• The cryosphere is the collective term
for all the ice and snow on the earth.