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