System

An organized group of related objects or

components that interact to create a whole
The Earth is a System
All the different parts of the earth (the air, the
solid earth, life forms, water) interact to create
The Earth System
The Earth System can be divided into 4
smaller systems or spheres:
Biosphere Hydrosphere
Geosphere
Atmosphere
LIFE
WATER
ROCK
AIR
Open System vs. Closed System
Open System: Both ENERGY & MATTER are
exchanged with the surroundings
(Example: A Lake)
Closed System: ENERGY, but not MATTER, is
exchanged with the surroundings
(Example: A Sealed Jar)
ALL systems that make up the Earth System are
OPEN SYSTEMS b/c matter and energy are
constantly transferred b/n them
The Earth System itself is CONSIDERED a
CLOSED SYSTEM b/c energy but not matter is
exchanged with outer space
The Earth System
The 4 smaller systems that make up The Earth
System are all connected and work together
The four spheres are STOREHOUSES of
energy and matter
The Earth System works because MATTER &
ENERGY constantly move between the
4 spheres (they are all open systems)
Matter cycles through the living and nonliving parts
of the earth by way of Biogeochemical Cycles
Energy drives the movement of matter from one
part of the earth system to another
Where Does Earth Get Its Energy?
Internal Energy Source
We have energy IN THE EARTH in the form of heat
Heat energy is in Earths core
Heat moves through Earths layers from the core towards the
surface and is transferred to other forms of
energy (besides heat) along the way
External Energy Source
We have external energy in the form of light from the Sun
The sun makes life possible
ALMOST ALL ENERGY CAN BE TRACED BACK TO THE SUN.
Sunlight gets converted into many other forms of energy on
Earths surface.
On Earth,
Energy FLOWS
& Matter CYCLES
As Energy Flows and Matter Cycles
The Law of Conservation of Energy says:
Energy can be transformed from one form to
another, but it can NEVER BE CREATED or
DESTROYED!
The Law of Conservation of Mass says,
Matter can be changed from one form to another,
but the total amount of mass remains constant.
(the same)