Earth's Spheres Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a sphere of the Earth?

  • Geosphere
  • Hydrosphere
  • Biosphere
  • Stratosphere (correct)

What percentage of Earth's atmosphere is composed of oxygen?

  • 21% (correct)
  • 0.1%
  • 50%
  • 78%

Which sphere is characterized by containing all living organisms on Earth?

  • Atmosphere
  • Geosphere
  • Hydrosphere
  • Biosphere (correct)

What is the outermost layer of Earth composed of physical matter?

<p>Atmosphere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Greek prefix corresponds to the term for the sphere that includes all solid land?

<p>geo- (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate distance from Earth to the top of the atmosphere?

<p>10,000 kilometers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is responsible for blocking ultraviolet radiation?

<p>Stratosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following spheres is considered abiotic?

<p>Both B and C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that makes the biosphere unique?

<p>It includes every organism on Earth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the geosphere is the hottest?

<p>Inner core (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form of water found in the hydrosphere?

<p>Liquid water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How deep can the biosphere extend below Earth's surface?

<p>500 meters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following layers is present in the geosphere?

<p>Outer core (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when water from the hydrosphere falls to Earth's surface?

<p>Precipitation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do humans affect the interconnection of the spheres?

<p>Through industrialization, impacting the geosphere and biosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Earth's crust?

The thin layer of solid rock that makes up the Earth's outer surface. It includes landforms like mountains and valleys.

What is the Earth's mantle?

The layer of molten rock beneath the Earth's crust. It's incredibly hot and constantly moving.

What is the Earth's outer core?

The layer of liquid iron and nickel at the Earth's center. It generates the Earth's magnetic field.

What is the Earth's inner core?

The solid, dense ball of iron and nickel at the Earth's very center. It's incredibly hot and under immense pressure.

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What is the biosphere?

The sphere that encompasses all living things on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

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What is the hydrosphere?

The sphere that includes all the water on Earth, whether liquid, solid, or gas.

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What is the geosphere?

The sphere that encompasses all the solid rock on Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core.

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What is the Atmosphere?

The layer of air surrounding Earth, extending up to 10,000 kilometers. It's composed of gases like nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), and trace amounts of other gases.

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Atmosphere

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed of all the air we breathe. It's the largest sphere by volume and contains different layers with varying temperatures and densities.

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Biosphere

All living things on Earth, encompassing all plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. This sphere is the only one considered biotic, meaning it contains life.

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Geosphere

All the solid land on Earth's surface, including rocks, mountains, and soil. It's a non-living component of the Earth.

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Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. It's a non-living component of the Earth.

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Troposphere

The densest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to 15 km. It's where most weather occurs.

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Ozone Layer

A layer in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. It's essential for protecting life on Earth.

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What are the Four Spheres of the Earth?

The four major spheres of the Earth, each defined by its characteristics and interactions: Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere, and Hydrosphere. These spheres are interconnected and constantly interact.

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Study Notes

Earth's Spheres

  • Earth's matter is categorized into four interconnected spheres: atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere.

Atmosphere

  • Definition: All the air on Earth.
  • Origin: Greek prefix "atmos-" meaning "vapor."
  • Composition: Primarily nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), and other gases (0.1%).
  • Layers (from Earth's surface outward):
    • Troposphere
    • Stratosphere (contains the ozone layer)
    • Mesosphere
    • Thermosphere
    • Exosphere
  • Importance: Protects life from UV radiation, supports breathing.
  • Extent: Extends ~10,000 km above Earth's surface.

Biosphere

  • Definition: All living things on Earth.
  • Origin: Greek prefix "bio-" meaning "life."
  • Characteristics: Includes plants, animals, and microorganisms.
  • Importance: Dependent on the other three spheres (atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere) to survive.
  • Extent: Roughly 500 meters below Earth's surface to 6 kilometers above sea level.

Geosphere

  • Definition: All solid land on Earth's surface and crust.
  • Origin: Greek prefix "geo-" meaning "earth."
  • Characteristics: Includes rocks, minerals, and four layers below the surface.
  • Layers:
    • Inner core (hottest, ~6000°C)
    • Outer core (liquid iron and nickel, ~5000°C)
    • Mantle (rock, magnesium, iron, ~871-4000°C)
    • Crust (landforms, ~871°C)
  • Importance: Provides habitat and resources for life.

Hydrosphere

  • Definition: All water on Earth.
  • Origin: Greek prefix "hydro-" meaning "water."
  • Characteristics: Exists in three states (liquid, solid, gas).
  • Composition: Mostly oceans (over 97.5%). Includes lakes, rivers, glaciers.
  • Importance: Crucial for life on Earth, shapes ecosystems, contributes to weather.
  • Interactions: Interacts with all other spheres (e.g., rainfall connects hydrosphere and geosphere).

Interactions Between Spheres

  • The spheres are interconnected.
  • Examples: rainfall (hydrosphere to geosphere, influencing biosphere), or human activities affecting multiple spheres.

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Description

Explore the four interconnected spheres of Earth: the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Learn about their definitions, compositions, extents, and the vital roles they play in supporting life on our planet.

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