Define the five systems. Be sure to include enough information to distinguish each system from the others. (Site 1)
System of biosphere
The biosphere system refers to the entire global ecosystem which includes all living organisms and their interactions with each other and with the environment. This system is made up of various ecosystems such as forests, oceans, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands. The biosphere system is responsible for sustaining life on earth through processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and carbon fixation. It is also important for regulating the Earth's climate and mitigating the impacts of environmental changes such as climate change and pollution.
System of atmosphere
The atmosphere system refers to the layer of gases that surround Earth, held in place by gravity. This system includes the troposphere (the layer closest to the Earth's surface), the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and the thermosphere. The atmosphere system is responsible for regulating the Earth's temperature, protecting life on Earth from harmful solar radiation and meteorites, and providing the oxygen that all living organisms need to survive.
System of hydrosphere
The hydrosphere system refers to all the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and ice caps. This system influences weather, climate, and the distribution of life on Earth. It is responsible for the water cycle, which is the process whereby water evaporates from the oceans and other bodies of water, forms clouds, falls as precipitation, and then flows back into oceans and freshwater sources. The hydrosphere system is also important for regulating the Earth's temperature, storing and transporting heat, and providing habitats for aquatic organisms.
System of geosphere
The geosphere system refers to the solid parts of the Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core. This system is responsible for shaping the surface of the Earth through processes such as weathering, erosion, and volcanic activity. It plays a crucial role in providing habitats for living organisms as well as natural resources such as minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. The geosphere system is also important for regulating the Earth's temperature and contributing to the Earth's magnetic field.
System of cryosphere
The cryosphere system refers to all the frozen water on Earth, including glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost. This system is important for regulating the Earth's temperature and contributing to the water cycle. The cryosphere system is also important for providing habitats for cold-adapted organisms and influencing global sea level rise.