EARTH AND EARTH’S SYSTEM

The Early Atmosphere

Earth’s atmosphere is:

Oxygen 21%
Nitrogen 78%
Carbon dioxide 0.04%
Argon ~ 0.9%
Earth’s atmosphere
 was originally molten and later cooled down

 had volcanoes belching out massive amounts of

CO2, steam, ammonia and methane

 no oxygen

 steam condensed to form H2O producing shallow

seas
What Makes the Earth Special?

 Earth is composed of subsystems where

matter and energy flow to make life on Earth
possible.

 Subsystems are interconnected with

processes that involve the transfer of matter
and energy.
Earth’s Major Spheres

Hydrosphere

• It includes all water in land, oceans, solidified

water and evaporated water
- Is nearly 71% of Earth's surface
- Almost 97% is salty water

- Remaining freshwater is not all available for

drinking
Earth’s Major Spheres

Atmosphere

• Invisible layer of gases surrounding Earth

• Plays vital role in hydrologic cycle, weather

and temperature regulation

• Protects Earth from harmful UV rays, solar

flares
Earth’s Major Spheres

Atmosphere
5 distinct layers:

• Troposphere – weather disturbances and

water cycle takes place

Tropopause – blocks the water vapor from

escaping thus keeping the water recycled;
extends 10km from the ground
Earth’s Major Spheres

Atmosphere
5 distinct layers:

• Stratosphere (ozone) – Earth’s natural

sunblock as it protects us from UV rays

• Mesosphere – burns and melts the falling

meteorites

• Thermosphere –
Earth’s Major Spheres

Atmosphere
5 distinct layers:

• Exosphere – protects Earth from damage

caused by solar flares

Gives us the beautiful northern lights (Aurora

borealis) and southern lights (Aurora
australis).
Earth’s Major Spheres

Biosphere

• where all life forms are found

• composed of different biomes that shares the

same climatic conditions, plants and animals

• Protects Earth from harmful UV rays, solar

flares