what is whole earth system science?. whole earth system science is… the concept that the earth is...

What is Whole What is Whole Earth System Earth System

Science?Science?

Whole Earth Whole Earth System Science System Science

Is…Is…

• The concept that the earth is The concept that the earth is comprised of interacting comprised of interacting components or subsystems.components or subsystems.

The Main SystemsThe Main Systems

• Biosphere = the realm of all living things on earth, including humans.

• Geosphere = the realm of all non-living aspects of the earth. The geosphere is divided into 3 subsystems;– The lithosphere– The atmosphere– The hydrosphere

The 4 SpheresThe 4 Spheres

Biosphere

Lithosphere

Hydrosphere

Atmosphere

The BiosphereThe Biosphere“Life” sphere“Life” sphere

• The biospherebiosphere consists of the totality of lifelife forms on earth.– This includes all plants, animals, and

humans.

The LithosphereThe Lithosphere“Land” sphere“Land” sphere

• The lithospherelithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the earth that includes the crustcrust and uppermost part of the mantle.

The AtmosphereThe Atmosphere“Air” sphere“Air” sphere

• The atmosphereatmosphere is the gaseous portion of the planet, the planets envelope of airair.

The HydrosphereThe Hydrosphere“Water” sphere“Water” sphere

• The hydrospherehydrosphere is the waterwater portion of the planet.– This includes all oceans, lakes, rivers,

streams, ponds, snow, ice.

The CryosphereThe Cryosphere“Frozen” sphere“Frozen” sphere

• The cryospherecryosphere is the collective term for all the ice and snowice and snow on the earth.