Earth Systems Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is defined as a set of things working together as part of a mechanism or an interconnecting network?

Ecosystem

System (correct)

Biome

Climate

Which of the following are considered one of the four interconnected Earth systems?

Trophosphere

Geosphere

Hydrosphere (correct)

Ecosystem

What is the main focus of ecology as a scientific study?

Cultural systems

Weather patterns

Ecosystems (correct)

Economic systems

Which term refers to large-scale ecosystems that transition gradually from the Equator to the Poles?

Biomes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Systems Theory?

It is a relational approach that is transdisciplinary. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best distinguishes weather from climate?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is a long-term average. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a biological system?

Cultural systems Signup and view all the answers

What are abiotic components of ecosystems primarily concerned with?

Non-living physical and chemical elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept behind Environmental Determinism and Possibilism?

Climate influences people, and people can adapt to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of global sea level rise?

Increase in rainfall Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sustainability' primarily refer to?

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a component of Social Sustainability?

Cultural preservation and gender equality. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Inner Ring of the Sustainability Doughnut?

Resources necessary for basic human needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is employed by The Long Run (TLR) organization in their sustainability efforts?

Utilization of the 4Cs approach: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Climate. Signup and view all the answers

How much has the global average sea level increased since 1880?

8–9 inches (21–24 centimeters) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT belong to the framework of Environmental Sustainability?

Creating economic growth through resource exploitation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systems Theory

A way of understanding how different parts of the world work together as interconnected networks
Simple systems contain a limited number of parts while complex systems have many interconnected parts
Systems can be closed, where there is no exchange with the external world, or open, where there is exchange
Systems have inputs and outputs, which interact with the outside environment
Systems are more than the sum of their parts

Earth Systems

Earth is made up of 4 interconnected systems:
- Atmosphere (air)
- Hydrosphere (water)
- Lithosphere (earth)
- Biosphere (life)
All these systems work together to create the environment we live in

Biomes and Climate

Biomes are large ecosystems that cover a wide geographic area
Climate is influenced by geography and in turn influences societies
Climate change is driven by an increase in global temperature, leading to changes in weather patterns and associated risks

Sea Level Rise

Sea level has risen by approximately 8-9 inches since 1880
Sea level rise is caused by melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of the ocean
Many of the world's largest cities are located near coastlines, putting them at risk from sea level rise

Humans are part of nature and not separate from it
Human actions influence the environment and the environment influences humans

Sustainability

Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations to meet their own needs
Sustainability comprises three main aspects: Environmental, Social, and Economic

Environmental Sustainability

Focuses on maintaining the health and resilience of ecosystems
Aimed at avoiding environmental tipping points and reducing negative impacts
Prioritizes biodiversity conservation and cohabitation with ecosystems

Promotes social justice, equity, and cultural preservation
Ensures equitable access to resources, opportunities, and basic needs
Prioritizes gender equality and human rights

Economic Sustainability

Aims to create economic systems that don’t rely on endless growth
Focuses on transitioning away from fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy
Aims to eliminate poverty and ensure a decent standard of living for all

Sustainability Doughnut

Represents the intersection of social needs and environmental limits
The inner ring depicts social needs for a decent life
The outer ring represents planetary boundaries that must not be exceeded
The hole in the middle represents social and environmental injustices

Case Study: The Long Run (TLR) and Caimans in the Pantanal

TLR is a sustainability organization focused on conservation and community development
Uses a 4Cs approach: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce for sustainability
Works to protect caimans and their ecosystem in the Pantanal wetland

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Description

Explore the interconnectedness of Earth's systems in this quiz. From systems theory to biomes and climate change, understand how the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere interact to shape our environment. Test your knowledge on the impact of climate change and sea level rise.