MODULE 1, LESSON 1: THE EARTH AND ITS SUBSYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

Our home planet, Earth, is a world unlike any other. The third planet from the Sun, Earth is the only
place

in the known universe confirmed to host life. Earth is considered as a home of simple single-celled

organisms up to the most complex life forms including human beings. The different characteristics of
Earth

and interactions among its subsystems are responsible for the sustenance of life. As human beings living

in this planet, it is very important that we protect it and continuously take care of the natural resources
it

provides us in order to mitigate the impacts of geological and hydrometeorological phenomena in our
area.

At the end of this session, you should be able to:

a. describe the different characteristics of the Earth necessary for the growth and survival of life;

b. explain the interactions among the Earth’s four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and

energy flow; and

c. demonstrate appreciation towards the Earth, specifically of each of our own localities through

creating a video blog.

DISCUSSION

Earth’s Atmosphere

The atmosphere consists of 78.1% nitrogen, 20.9%

oxygen, 0.9% argon, and trace amounts of carbon

dioxide and other components.

The presence of oxygen and carbon dioxide permits life

on Earth. Carbon dioxide is used by photosynthetic

organisms, such as plants and algae, to convert the

energy from the sun to usable energy through the

process of photosynthesis. The oxygen makes it livable

for living organisms including humans for respiration and

for our cells to function.

Earth’s atmosphere also protects us from the sun’s

radiation. Thirty percent of the radiation is reflected away by the atmosphere, clouds, and the earth's

surface. Another 25% is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds, and the remaining 45% is absorbed

by the earth’s surface. Ozone is composed of three oxygen atoms. Located in the stratosphere, this

layer absorbs the ultraviolet wavelengths, and the absorption of this radiation heats up the air.

Earth’s Soil and Vegetation

The soil is a mixture of minerals, water, air, organic matter, and organisms. It is a living medium—a

medium for growth of all kinds of vegetation. The soil promotes growth for plants by providing
nutrients,

water, and as a substrate for anchorage of roots. In return, vegetation produces trees and forests

cover, ensures the water and nutrient cycle, and prevents soil and wind erosion. This mutual

relationship of the soil and vegetation makes our planet livable.

According to the FAO, healthy soils are crucial for ensuring the continued growth of natural and

managed vegetation, providing feed, fiber, fuel, medicinal products and other ecosystem services such

as climate regulation and oxygen production.

Soils and vegetation have a reciprocal relationship. Fertile soil encourages plant growth by providing

plants with nutrients, acting as a water holding tank, and serving as the substrate to which plants
anchor their roots. In return, vegetation, tree cover and forests prevent soil degradation and

desertification by stabilizing the soil, maintaining water and nutrient cycling, and reducing water and

wind erosion.

Earth’s Hydrosphere

The hydrosphere contains all the water on our

planet including ice and vapor. Nearly three-

quarters of the earth’s surface is the sea and

the ocean. The ocean houses many species of

marine life and diverse mineral resources.

Other forms of water include river, streams,

and lakes. Other than being a water reservoir,

these forms of water are all sources of fish and

shellfish that we consume. They also serve as

thermostat and heat reservoir, especially the

ocean. They also serve as ways for

transportation.