Learning Objectives
Explain what parts of Earth systems geologists study.
Identify the major geologic processes operating on Earth.
Summarize the roles of water, carbon, and oxygen in Earth systems.
Arth and its inhabitants can be thought of as parts of a complexly intertwined set of systems collectively referred to as the Earth system. The systems approach to studying Earth is a way of breaking down large, complex problems into smaller components while remaining mindful of the connections between the components. Systems that make up
Sum of the physical, chemical, and biological processes operating on and within Earth.
The Earth system are the geosphere, the biosphere, the atmosphere, and the hydrosphere (figure 1 .4A). a change in one component commonly has effects in other components (figure 1 .4B). For instance, extraction of oil from Earth’s strata, followed by refinement of the oil into gasoline and burning of that gasoline in an automobile engine, adds carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gaseous
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
A The Earth system has four principal components—the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere—all of which interact and undergo change through time.
B The geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere interact to create and modify Earth's landforms. Mt. Fuji, an active volcano, is being formed by magma rising from remelting of the subducting Pacific Plate. After the magma makes its way to the surface and hardens, the igneous rock is then modified by other Earth processes.
The water cycle describes the passage of water from the atmosphere to Earth's surface, through the ground, and through living organisms.
2. Evaporated water condenses into clouds.
SOLAR
3. The water falls back to land or to the ocean as precipitation either rain, hail, or
4. Some water returns to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.
1. Solar energy causes water to evaporate from the ocean, moving it into the atmosphere.
World History
