 Components of Environment:

 Atmosphere
 Lithosphere
 Hydrosphere
 Biosphere

"Atmosphere"
The Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), and
trace amounts of other gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This gaseous envelope
plays a crucial role in maintaining life on Earth by regulating temperature, protecting against harmful
solar radiation, and driving weather patterns and climate dynamics.

 Why is the Atmosphere Important?

 Atmosphere is a layer of gases that surround the earth.
 Weather exists because of the atmosphere.
 It makes the Earth suitable for living things.
 The atmosphere traps energy from the sun and keeps the Earth’s surface warm enough for
water to exist as a liquid.
 It protects the Earth from radiation and meteoroids.
 Earth’s atmosphere is divided into four main layers based upon changes in temperature.

Key points:
 Air pressure always decreases with increasing height. As we move up in the atmosphere
there is less mass above us, so the pressure is less, too.
 Air density always decreases with increasing height.
 KARMAN line on Mesosphere and EXOBASE on Thermosphere.

 Layers of the Earth’s Atmosphere from Top to Bottom:

 1. Troposphere:
 Location: The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface, extending up to about 7
to 20 kilometres (4 to 12 miles) above sea level.
 Process: This is where weather happens. The Sun heats the Earth's surface, and the warm air
rises. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses into clouds, leading to precipitation like
rain, snow, or hail.

2. Stratosphere:
 Location: Above the troposphere, extending from about 20 to 50 kilometres (12 to 31 miles)
above the Earth's surface.
 Process: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the Sun. When UV rays hit the ozone molecules, they break apart, absorbing
the energy and protecting life on Earth from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

3. Mesosphere:
 Location: Above the stratosphere, extending from about 50 to 85 kilometres (31 to 53 miles)
above the Earth's surface.
 Process: The mesosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere. It's where most meteors
burn up when entering the Earth's atmosphere. The mesosphere helps protect the Earth
from meteoroids and other debris from space.

4. Thermosphere:
 Location: The highest layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 85 kilometres (53
miles) upwards without a well-defined upper limit.
 Process: In the thermosphere, the air is very thin, and temperatures increase with altitude.
Despite being very hot, the air is so thin that it would feel extremely cold to us if we were
there. The thermosphere is where phenomena like the auroras (northern and southern
lights) occur due to interactions between solar radiation and the Earth's magnetic field.

These processes play important roles in maintaining the Earth's climate, protecting life from harmful
radiation, and shaping our understanding of the atmosphere and space.

"Hydrosphere"
 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water
 97.2% of all of the water on Earth is found in the oceans
 Due to the salt content of ocean water, we are unable to use it
 Salt water can be cleaned by a process known as desalination
 This leaves only 2.8% of the Earth’s water as freshwater
 Only 0.8% of which is drinkable
 The cryosphere consists of all the frozen water on Earth, including glaciers, ice caps, and
snow cover.

 The distribution of water on Earth by percentage:

 Oceans: 97.5%
 Icecaps and Glaciers: 1.9%
 Groundwater: 0.5%
 Lakes: 0.3%
  Soil Moisture: 0.05%
 Atmospheric Water Vapor: 0.001%
 Rivers: 0.001%

 Steps of the Water Cycle:

 Step  Description
Evaporation Water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and other surface waters evaporates into
the atmosphere.
Condensation Water vapor cools and condenses to form clouds.
Precipitation Clouds become heavy with water droplets and release precipitation (rain,
snow, etc.).
Infiltration Precipitation soaks into the soil and may collect in underground reservoirs.
Percolation Water moves downward through the soil, reaching aquifers.
Transpiration Plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through tiny openings in
their leaves.
Surface Runoff Excess precipitation flows over the land surface and returns to rivers, lakes,
and oceans.

" Groundwater "

 Storage: Groundwater is stored underground in spaces between soil particles, in rock
fractures, and in underground reservoirs called aquifers. Aquifers act like natural
underground storage tanks that hold vast amounts of water. Groundwater can remain
stored in aquifers for long periods, sometimes thousands of years.
  Aquifer Type  Description
Unconfined Water table is not confined by impermeable layers above it.
Confined Aquifer is sandwiched between impermeable layers of rock or clay above
and below it.
 Aquifer Zone  Description
Vadose Zone - Located above the water table - Pore spaces contain both air and water
- Not fully saturated
Phreatic Zone - Located below the water table - All pore spaces are filled with water -
Fully saturated

 Groundwater Process  Description  Analogy to a Building

Recharge Adding water to underground Rainwater collected from the roof
stores and stored in underground tanks;
the tanks fill up when it rains
heavily
Discharge Letting water out from Water pumped out from
underground stores underground tanks for various
purposes such as watering plants,
flushing toilets, or supplying
drinking water to residents

 Groundwater Recharge:
Imagine a building with a rainwater collection system. When it rains, water is collected from the roof
and stored in tanks underground. This process is like groundwater recharge. The rainwater
represents the water from precipitation soaking into the ground and refilling underground water
supplies. So, in our building analogy, the rainwater collected and stored underground is similar to
how groundwater is replenished when rainwater infiltrates the soil and percolates into aquifers.

 Groundwater Discharge:
Now, let's say the building has a pump system that allows water to be drawn from the underground
tanks and used for various purposes like watering plants or flushing toilets. This is similar to
groundwater discharge. The water being pumped out and used represents groundwater being
released from aquifers and used for drinking, irrigation, or other purposes. So, in our building
analogy, the water being pumped out of the underground tanks is like how groundwater is
discharged from aquifers for human use or to feed springs and rivers.

" Lithosphere "

 Lithosphere:
The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of the Earth. It includes the Earth's crust and the upper part
of the mantle. The lithosphere is what we walk on and where we build our homes. It's made up of
solid rocks and minerals.

 Layers of the Lithosphere:

1. Earth Crust:
The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the lithosphere.
It's like the skin of an apple; it's thin compared to the rest of the Earth.

The Earth's crust is made up of solid rocks and minerals. There are two types: continental crust
(found under land) and oceanic crust (found under oceans).

2. Mantle:
The mantle is the layer beneath the Earth's crust.

It's like the middle layer of an onion; it's thicker than the crust but not as thick as the core.

The mantle is made up of solid rock, but it's hotter and more flexible than the crust.

3. Core:
The core is the innermost layer of the Earth, found beneath the mantle.

It's like the seed of an apple; it's the centre of the Earth.

The core is made up of two parts: the outer core, which is molten (liquid) iron and nickel, and the
inner core, which is solid iron and nickel.

In summary, the lithosphere is the solid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the Earth's crust and
upper mantle. The Earth's crust is the thin outer layer, followed by the thicker mantle, and finally,
the core at the centre of the Earth.

Aspect Description
 Soil Soil is the top layer of the Earth's surface where plants grow. It's made up
of minerals, organic matter, water, and air.
 Phases Soil has three main phases: solid, liquid, and gas.
 Solid Phase This is the part of the soil that's made up of tiny particles like sand, silt,
and clay.
Liquid Phase This is the water found in the spaces between soil particles.
Gas Phase This is the air found in the spaces between soil particles.
 Texture Soil texture refers to the size of the particles in the soil. It's classified into
three main types: sand, silt, and clay.
Sand Sand particles are the largest and feel gritty.
Silt Silt particles are smaller than sand and feel smooth.
Clay Clay particles are the smallest and feel sticky when wet.
 Horizons Soil horizons are layers of soil that form over time. They are labelled based
on their characteristics and composition.
O Horizon The top layer of organic matter like leaves and plant debris.
A Horizon The layer rich in organic matter and minerals, often called topsoil.
B Horizon The layer where minerals leached from the topsoil accumulate.
C Horizon The layer composed of weathered parent material.
Bedrock (R Horizon) The solid rock layer beneath the soil.

"Environment"

 Environmental Science:
Environmental science is the study of the interaction of humans with the natural environment. An environment
refers to everything around us. It includes the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we walk on, the plants
and animals, and even the weather. Basically, it's all the natural and man-made things that make up the world we
live in. The environment includes all conditions that surround living organisms: Climate, Air and water quality, Soil
and landforms, Presence of other living organisms

Man-made Environment: Environments significantly altered or created by human activities. Examples include
cities, highways, agricultural fields, factories, and artificial lakes.

Natural Environment: Environments largely unaffected by human intervention, shaped by natural processes.
Examples include forests, rivers, mountains, oceans, deserts, and wildlife reserves.

 SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES / Importance or significance of Environmental

studies:

 Aspect
Conservation of Natural Resources
Pollution Control and Environmental Health
Climate Change and Global Warming
Environmental Education and Awareness
Raises awareness about environmental issues
Helps protect the environment
Promotes sustainable development
Protects human health
 Definition
Protecting and managing Earth's resources like
water, air, soil, and wildlife.
Preventing and reducing harmful substances in the
environment to keep people healthy.
Studying changes in Earth's climate and finding ways
to reduce their harmful effects.
Teaching people about environmental issues and
how they can help.
Environmental studies help people understand
problems like pollution and climate change.
By studying the environment, we can find ways to
preserve natural resources and protect ecosystems.
Environmental studies encourage using resources
wisely for the benefit of future generations.
Understanding the environment helps us identify and
 prevent things that could harm people's health.
Addresses global challenges Environmental studies help countries work together to
solve big environmental problems that affect the
whole world.

 Sphere  Description
Atmosphere Layer of gases surrounding Earth, regulating temperature and weather patterns.
Lithosphere Solid outer shell of Earth consisting of crust and upper mantle, divided into tectonic
plates.
Hydrosphere All water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Biosphere Part of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and atmosphere.

Question 1: Discuss how the multifaceted definitions of the environment emphasize the complex
interplay between natural elements and human activities.
Answer: The environment is everything around us, including the air, water, land, and living organisms. It's not
just nature; it's also influenced by what humans do. This means that how we treat the environment affects it, and
in turn, it affects us. For example, pollution from factories can harm air quality, impacting our health. So,
understanding the environment means recognizing this interplay between natural elements and human activities.

Question 2: Considering the scope of developing skills for identifying and solving environmental
problems in environmental studies, prepare a corresponding importance or significance of the field of
study.
Answer: Learning about the environment and how to solve its problems is super important. When we study
environmental issues, we're basically learning how to take care of our planet. This helps us make better
decisions about how we use resources, like water and energy. Plus, it helps us protect animals and plants from
harm. So, by developing skills in environmental studies, we're helping make the world a better place for
everyone.

Question 3: Explore the intricate complexities of fishing, considering how decisions are made to
address this issue across various disciplines. Consider the various disciplines given below:
Answer: Fishing is a complex issue that involves a bunch of different fields working together. Let's break it down:
 Economics: People fish for money, so understanding how fishing affects economies is crucial.
 Geology: Knowing about the ocean floor and where fish live helps decide where to fish sustainably.
 Engineering: Building fishing equipment that's efficient and doesn't harm the environment is important.
 Chemistry: Understanding water quality and how pollution affects fish is key.
 Meteorology: Weather patterns impact fishing, so knowing when and where it's safe to fish matters.
 Ecology: Balancing the needs of fish populations and their habitats with human needs is essential.
 Politics: Laws and regulations about fishing need to be fair and protect the environment for future
generations.
1. Economics: This is about money and how people decide to spend it. It looks at things like what people
buy and why, and how prices are set.
2. Geology: Geology is about rocks, soil, and the Earth's surface. It helps us understand what the ground
is made of and if it's safe to build things on it.
3. Engineering: Engineering is about designing and building things, like bridges, machines, and buildings.
It's using science to solve problems and make stuff work.
 4. Chemistry: Chemistry is about the tiny parts of everything around us. It's how things are made up and
how they change when they interact with other things.
5. Meteorology: Meteorology is about the weather. It's studying the air, clouds, and temperature to predict
what the weather will be like.
6. Ecology: Ecology is about nature and living things. It's how plants, animals, and people all interact with
each other and their environment.
7. Politics: Politics is about how people make decisions together. It's about laws, rules, and governments
that help organize communities and societies.

These fields contribute essential knowledge and expertise from resource allocation to policy
implementation in the process of making things.
Field Economics Geology Engineering Chemistry Meteorology Ecology Politics
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Cultivation choose rice analysis to and fertilizers for weather sustainable rice farmers to support
for its high determine constructing rice crops patterns for farming agricultural sector
demand and optimal rice- irrigation optimal practices to
profitability growing systems for planting and preserve
areas rice fields harvesting ecosystems
Smartphone Company Mining rare Designing Synthesizin Monitoring Implementing Legislation for labor
Production opts for earth assembly g materials weather e-waste regulations and product
smartphone minerals for lines and for conditions for recycling safety standards in
production smartphone manufacturing smartphone shipping and programs to smartphone factories
due to components processes for batteries logistics reduce
market smartphones environmental
demand impact
Building Developers Geological Designing Using Monitoring Implementing Government permits and
Construction choose survey to and chemical weather for green building regulations for building
building assess constructing compounds construction practices for codes and zoning laws
construction ground structural for scheduling energy
for urban stability and elements for construction and safety efficiency
development soil buildings materials
composition
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decides to must be be burned at a acid rain stresses plants the plant to install pollution
use coal for mined from transported to power plant, somewhere by affecting scrubbers.
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