How are we affected by ocean currents, atmospheric conditions, and the sun?
Solar Radiation – energy received from the sun
Where do you live and what season is it?
Seasons are caused by our 23.5 degree tilt and our revolution around the sun- Most sun energy is absorbed by clouds,
oceans and land masses
Solar Radiation Global Atmosphere
Land, air, and water absorb and reflect energy from the sun
Hot air rises at the equator and sinks when cooled
Earths rotation and unequal heating causes global wind patterns
Solar Radiation - Atmosphere
Regional Weather
Atmosphere
Supports life, creates weather and ocean currents
Troposphere (weather layer)• contains 21% Oxygen and 78% Nitrogen
Stratosphere contains ozone• responsible for shielding out harmful rays
Atmosphere and water
Water is present in the atmosphere in three states: liquid, solid, and gaseous (vapor)
Sun drives the water cycle
-Water vapor enters through evaporation -Water vapor cools forming clouds (liquid)-When droplets are to heavy they fall as
precipitation (rain, snow, sleet)
Connecting Atmosphere to Oceans There is an
interaction between the ocean surface and the atmosphere above
Water holds a huge amount of heat (heat sinks and heat sources)
Oceans affecting atmosphere
Equatorial oceans absorbs heat from the air
Polar oceans transfer heat to the air
Both contribute to atmosphere and currents
Ocean Currents
Causes• Rotation of the earth• Tides• Salinity &
Temperature
Our Physical Earth
Temperature/Pressure Internal Heat Sources Physical Behavior of Matter:
Convection Earth’s Layered Interior:
Density/Gravity Plate Tectonics & Change over time
Temperature/PressureTemperature inside earth increases with depth
Pressure inside earth increases with depth
1 atm. of pressure = our atm. In water = 33.3ft.
Imagine the pressure, 4,000 miles to the core.
Internal Heat Sources The engine within that
drives our magnetic field, plate tectonics, fuels volcanism, and generates earthquakes…
So what are the sources of this heat?
Behavior of Matter: Convection
Convection in the rocky mantle powers plate tectonics and drives many of the geological processes we observe at the surface.
Earth’s Interior: Density/
Plate Tectonics: A dynamic surface that is changing
24/7.265….over millions to billions of YEARS: GEOLOGIC TIME
Plate Boundaries: 3 Types of plate boundaries:
What is an Earth System?
System- a collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined boundary.• Within Earth’s boundary are four interdependent parts
Hydrosphere Water portion of our planet
• Atmosphere Gaseous envelope that surrounds are planet
• Geosphere The solid, non-living Earth (Crust to Core)
• Biosphere Includes all living organisms on Earth
Spheres of Earth are closely connected • An event that causes change in one often leads
to changes in others Birds (Biosphere) fly through the air (atmosphere) Water (Hydrosphere) flows through soil (Geosphere) Sewerage (Biosphere) drains from pipes directly into
the water (Hydrospere)
Lets brainstorm more as of these interactions as a class!
Earth Systems
Causes of Change Events caused by living organisms
(Biological)
• Oil Spill• Air Pollution• Population Growth
Naturally Occurring Events (Geophysical)
• El Nino• Volcanic Eruption• Earthquake
Why is understanding Earth Systems Important?
Understanding interactions occurring between earth systems allows people to predict the outcome of events• Determine the environmental effects of
building a coal-burning power plant before beginning construction
It is also helps people to prepare for the effects of natural disasters• Determine the environmental impacts of a
large volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens
What are some examples of How Earth Systems Interact?
El Nino
Event- Every 3-7 years a change in ocean currents off Peru, South America • Cause- Weak trade winds result in a warm mass
of water expands eastward to South America
• Effects- Increase surface temps in South Pacific Weather patterns in North America Alters Global Air Currents
Hydrosphere-Atmosphere Warmer water decreases nutrient availability for fish
Fish populations are reduced Hydrosphere-Biosphere
Volcanic Eruption
Event-Mount Saint Helens Erupts Underlying molten material from Earth’s Interior increases pressure on Earth’s surface and results in an enormous volcanic eruption• Causes
Melts nearby glacial ice Kills large populations of plants and animals Large amounts of volcanic ash are emitted into the atmosphere
• Effects Nearby bodies of water (streams, rivers, and lakes) flood
Geosphere-Hydrosphere Due to large plant and animal die-offs the food chain is disrupted
Geosphere- Biosphere Volcanic ash in the atmosphere blocks the suns rays and changes global
weather patterns Geosphere- Atmospere
Ozone Depletion
Event - Ozone depletion above Antarctica• Cause
Chlorine and Bromine containing substances (propellants in aerosol cans, styrofoam) are released into the air.
Sunlight catalyzes chemical reaction in chlorine and bromine and deplete ozone
• Effect Increases levels of ultra-violet B radiation around the world
Atmosphere-Hydrosphere Chronic exposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer, cataracts
etc. DNA mutation occurring in plants
Atmosphere-Biosphere