The Four Spheres of Earth

šŸ“š Key Concepts

šŸ”¹ Earth’s Interconnected Systems

Earth functions as an integrated system with four main spheres that constantly interact:

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1. Atmosphere (Air)

Composition:

  • 78% Nitrogen (Nā‚‚)
  • 21% Oxygen (Oā‚‚)
  • 1% Other gases (Argon, COā‚‚, water vapor)

Functions:

  • Provides oxygen for respiration
  • Contains COā‚‚ for photosynthesis
  • Creates weather and climate
  • Protects from meteors and harmful radiation

2. Hydrosphere (Water)

Water Distribution:

  • 97% in oceans (salt water)
  • 3% fresh water (ice caps, groundwater, rivers, lakes)

Functions:

  • Universal solvent for life processes
  • Transports nutrients and waste
  • Regulates temperature
  • Habitat for aquatic life
  • Powers water cycle

3. Geosphere (Solid Earth)

Components:

  • Rocks and minerals
  • Soil and sediments
  • Mountains and valleys
  • Caves and underground formations

Functions:

  • Provides nutrients for plants
  • Source of building materials
  • Creates diverse habitats
  • Stores carbon and water

4. Biosphere (Life)

Includes:

  • All living organisms
  • Plants, animals, microorganisms
  • Interactions between species
  • Ecosystems and food webs

Functions:

  • Recycles nutrients
  • Produces oxygen (plants)
  • Maintains atmospheric balance
  • Creates soil through decomposition

šŸ”¹ Sphere Interactions

Example Interactions:

  • Plants (biosphere) absorb water (hydrosphere) and COā‚‚ (atmosphere) from soil (geosphere)
  • Rain (hydrosphere) weathers rocks (geosphere) creating soil for plants (biosphere)
  • Ocean evaporation (hydrosphere) creates clouds (atmosphere) affecting weather and life (biosphere)