Earth System Science

Chapter 1.4
Understanding Earth as a system
made up of numerous
interacting parts
System
Any size group of interacting parts that
form a complex whole

Closed system energy moves freely in
and out of the system; no matter enters or
leaves the system (cooling system)

Open system both energy and matter flow
into (weather system & river system)

Earth as a System
Powered by the sun and Earths interior

Sun drives external processes (weather,
climate, ocean circulation, erosion)

Interior drives internal processes
(volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains)
Earth as a System
Earths systems are connected
A change in one component can influence
the entire system
Humans produce changes in all of the
parts of the Earth System
People and the Environment
Environment everything that surrounds
and influences an organism

Physical nonliving factors (water, soil,
rock, temperature, humidity, sunlight)
Biological living factors
Social interactions between factors

Global
Population
Growth
Environmental Science
Studies the relationships between people
and the natural environment

Resources (renewable and nonrenewable)
Populations and Species Interactions
Environmental problems
Local, regional, global
Air pollution, acid rain, ozone depletion, global
warming