Dynamic planet notes draft
Earth's four spheres
Hydrosphere - dynamic mass of liquid that is always on the move
Oceans - the most prominent feature of the hydrosphere
71% of Earth's surface is covered by ocean which is 97% of Earth's water
Only 3% is fresh water - streams, lakes, glaciers and underground supplies
Water Cycle - constantly recycles water
Atmosphere
Provides us with the air we breathe
Protects us from the sun's intense heat and radiation
Protects us from space
Biosphere
Includes all life on Earth
Interacts and influences the other 3 spheres
Lithosphere
Earth's rigid outer layer called the crust and the upper mantle called the asthenosphere
Solid earth consists of 4 layers: core inner, solid core outer, liquid core mantle lithosphere
Divisions of Earth's surface continents ocean basins
Sciences
Sciences involved in better understanding the earth integrate chemistry, physics, and biology into the following sciences:
Meteorology - the study of: the atmosphere weather and climate
Geology - the study of the Earth, and is broken into
Physical geology minerals rocks
Earth processes - mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
Historical geology - Earth's origin and it's past physical biological
Oceanography - study of the Oceans
Composition and movement of seawater
Seafloor topography and sea life
Astronomy - the study of the universe
Earth is a tiny object in a vast universe to understand Earth helps us to understand other planets and vice versa
Resources and Environmental Issues
Environment
Physical environment (abiotic) water air soil rock
Biological - living environment (biotic)
Resources
Important environmental concern
Include:
water soil minerals energy Two broad categories of resources
Renewable resources can be replenished
Examples: plant (lumber) and wind energy
Nonrenewable Resources
Fixed quantities
Examples: fuels and metals
Environmental Problems
Local, regional, and global
Human-induced and accentuated
Urban air pollution
Acid rain
Ozone depletion
Global Warming
Hydrosphere - dynamic mass of liquid that is always on the move
Oceans - the most prominent feature of the hydrosphere
71% of Earth's surface is covered by ocean which is 97% of Earth's water
Only 3% is fresh water - streams, lakes, glaciers and underground supplies
Water Cycle - constantly recycles water
Atmosphere
Provides us with the air we breathe
Protects us from the sun's intense heat and radiation
Protects us from space
Biosphere
Includes all life on Earth
Interacts and influences the other 3 spheres
Lithosphere
Earth's rigid outer layer called the crust and the upper mantle called the asthenosphere
Solid earth consists of 4 layers: core inner, solid core outer, liquid core mantle lithosphere
Divisions of Earth's surface continents ocean basins
Sciences
Sciences involved in better understanding the earth integrate chemistry, physics, and biology into the following sciences:
Meteorology - the study of: the atmosphere weather and climate
Geology - the study of the Earth, and is broken into
Physical geology minerals rocks
Earth processes - mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.
Historical geology - Earth's origin and it's past physical biological
Oceanography - study of the Oceans
Composition and movement of seawater
Seafloor topography and sea life
Astronomy - the study of the universe
Earth is a tiny object in a vast universe to understand Earth helps us to understand other planets and vice versa
Resources and Environmental Issues
Environment
Physical environment (abiotic) water air soil rock
Biological - living environment (biotic)
Resources
Important environmental concern
Include:
water soil minerals energy Two broad categories of resources
Renewable resources can be replenished
Examples: plant (lumber) and wind energy
Nonrenewable Resources
Fixed quantities
Examples: fuels and metals
Environmental Problems
Local, regional, and global
Human-induced and accentuated
Urban air pollution
Acid rain
Ozone depletion
Global Warming