Earth's Interconnected Systems.pptx

EARTH'S INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS

An overview of the interconnected systems that shape our planet, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere, and how they interact to maintain the delicate balance of Earth's environment.

"What do you think happens to the ground beneath our feet over time?"

Earth's layers

1. Crust, Mantle, Core
2. Tectonic Plates
3. Surface Processes
4. Rock Cycle

+ INFO

Research

Choose a recent natural disaster (earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.) and write a one-page report on how it relates to the processes discussed

EARTH'S SYSTEMS: CYCLES OF LIFE

Carbon Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle

Water Cycle

The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the Earth's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. It is essential for life and regulates the Earth's climate.

The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the transformations of nitrogen and nitrogen-containing compounds in the environment. It is crucial for plant growth and ecosystem balance.

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It is the fundamental life-sustaining process that distributes water to all parts of the planet.

These three interconnected cycles - carbon, nitrogen, and water - are essential for the sustainability and balance of Earth's ecosystems, supporting the cycles of life on our planet.

INTRODUCTION TO EARTH'S INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS

Earth is a dynamic planet, composed of interconnected systems that continuously interact with one another. These systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, form a complex web of relationships that drive the processes that shape our planet.

THE CARBON CYCLE

• Oceans and Carbon

Oceans play a crucial role in the carbon cycle, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, which can then be released back into the atmosphere.

• Rocks and Carbon

Weathering and erosion of rocks can release carbon into the soil and water, where it can be absorbed by plants or transported to the oceans.

• Human Impact

Human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, can disrupt the natural carbon cycle by increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• Atmospheric Carbon

Carbon is present in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2), which is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.

• Plants and Carbon

Plants use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis, storing carbon in their tissues.

• Animals and Carbon

Animals obtain carbon by consuming plants or other animals, and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration.

THE NITROGEN CYCLE

Nitrogen Fixation

Plant Uptake

Animal Consumption

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and lightning convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) or nitrates (NO3-) that can be absorbed by plants.

Plants take up nitrogen compounds from the soil and use them to produce proteins, nucleic acids, and other nitrogen-containing molecules.

Animals obtain nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals, and use it to build their own proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

Decomposition

Nitrification

When plants and animals die, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down the organic matter, releasing nitrogen back into the soil.

Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) into nitrites (NO2-) and then nitrates (NO3-), which can again be absorbed by plants.

Evaporation Rate

Condensation Efficiency

THE WATER CYCLE

Precipitation Coverage

Groundwater Recharge

HOW THESE CYCLES CONNECT

The Phosphorus Cycle

The Hydrological Cycle

The Carbon Cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle

Human Impact

This cycle describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It includes processes such as evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, surface runoff, and groundwater flow.

This cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the Earth's biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere. It includes processes like photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion.

This cycle describes the movement of nitrogen through the environment, including processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen uptake by plants.

This cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through the Earth's systems, including processes like weathering, erosion, uptake by organisms, and deposition in sediments.

Human activities, such as industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization, can significantly impact these interconnected cycles, leading to imbalances and environmental problems like climate change, eutrophication, and soil degradation.

The Earth is composed of three main layers: the crust, mantle, and core.

What is the outermost layer of the Earth?""How do tectonic plates interact?"What effect does volcanic activity have on the surrounding landscape?"

Key Points

Earth's Layers: Crust, Mantle, Core Tectonic Plates: Move and interact, causing Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions Surface Processes: Weathering, Erosion, Sedimentation, Volcanic Activity Rock Cycle: Transformation of rocks through Geological Processes Common Misconceptions: Earth's crust is stationary Erosion only occurs through water