Lesson 4: Earth Subsystem PDF

Earth and Life Science Lesson 4: The Subsystem of Planet Earth Learning Competency: The learners shall be able to explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and energy flow (S11/12ES-Ia-e-4) Sho...

Earth and Life Science Lesson 4: The Subsystem of Planet Earth Learning Competency: The learners shall be able to explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and energy flow (S11/12ES-Ia-e-4) Show the contributions of personalities/people on the understanding of Earth Systems (S11/12ES-Ia-e-6). Lesson Objectives: determine the four subsystems of the Earth; describe the characteristics of each subsystem; trace the flow of matter and energy in the Earth’s subsystems; and express one’s internalized role as steward of the four subsystems concerning the flow of matter and energy. Subsytems of the Planet Earth Atmosphere – it is the gaseous layer above the Earth’s surface, primarily composed of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, and other inert gases made the remaining 1%. The atmosphere supports life because animals and oxygen, and plants need both carbon dioxide and oxygen. In addition, the atmosphere supports life indirectly by regulating climate. Air acts as both a blanket and a filter, retaining heat at night and shielding from direct solar radiation during the day. Layers of the Atmosphere 1. Troposphere: o Location: Extends from Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) depending on latitude and weather conditions. o Characteristics: This is where most of our weather occurs, and it contains about 75% of the atmosphere's mass and most of the water vapor. Temperature decreases with altitude in this layer. 2. Stratosphere: o Location: Ranges from about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to around 50 kilometers (31 miles) above Earth's surface. o Characteristics: The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, is located here. Unlike the troposphere, the temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude due to the absorption of radiation by ozone. 3. Mesosphere: o Location: Extends from around 50 kilometers (31 miles) to about 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the surface. o Characteristics: This is the layer where most meteors burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere. The temperature decreases with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere. 4. Thermosphere: o Location: Extends from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to 600 kilometers (373 miles) or more above the surface. o Characteristics: This layer is characterized by a significant increase in temperature with altitude, which can rise to 2,500°C (4,500°F) or higher. The auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) occur in the thermosphere. The International Space Station orbits within this layer. 5. Exosphere: o Location: The outermost layer, extending from the top of the thermosphere out to about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles). o Characteristics: This layer gradually transitions into outer space. The air is extremely thin here, and particles can travel hundreds of kilometers without colliding with one another. Biosphere – the zone of Earth where all forms of life exist: in the sea, on land, and in water. It is sometimes called as the large ecosystem. This is the zone that life inhabits. Biosphere is a very thin layer of the earth’s surface. Geosphere – the solid Earth, consisting of the entire planet from the center of the core to the outer crust. It includes the core, mantle, and crust of the Earth. Hydrosphere – the water part of the Earth which circulates among oceans, continents, glaciers, and atmosphere. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth and contain 97.5% of its water.