Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere

The Earth’s Physical Systems

Earth System (4 physical systems)

AtmosphereLayer of gases that surround Earth. Allows

you to breathe and protects earth.

Lithosphere (crust and MOHO)Surface of the planet that forms the continents

and the ocean floor.

Earth System (4 physical systems)

HydrosphereAll the water on Earth (ocean, ice, and water

vapor in the atmosphere)

BiospherePart of Earth where life exists.

Lithosphere

Hydrosphere Atmosphere

Biosphere

OCEANOGRAPHY

GEOLOGYMETEOROLOGY

ASTRONOMY

Human Actions Affecting the Atmosphere

NEGATIVEOzone Depletion UV rays can destroy a type of

bacteria known as Cyanobacteria which produces much of Earth's oxygen.

Exposure to  harmful  UV rays can cause skin cancer and cataracts.

An excess level of UV rays could lead to the death of the phytoplanktons, that are an important component of the food web of the oceans.

Global warming Glacier melting which leads to

flooding Changing weather

POSITIVE

Clean Air Act

Human Actions Affecting the Lithosphere NEGATIVE POSITIVE

Reforestation Restocking of fish Water purification

Over Harvesting• imbalance in the food

chain the death of a species

Air and Water Pollution• Weathering• Loss of useful water

Human Actions Affecting the HydrosphereNEGATIVE

Pesticides washing into river

systems Decline of quality

groundwater

Acid Rain Damages trees at high

elevations decay of building

materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures

harmful to public health

POSITIVE Release of oceanic

carbon dioxide

Human Actions Affecting the BiosphereNEGATIVEDeforestation flooding landslides and mudslides trees are an important part of

the water cycle forests home to a large

number of animals Strip Mining water pollution landslides fires hazards to public health &

safety

POSITIVE Prevention of forest fires

by proper forest management