The Natural Environment

Earth’s environment is broken down into different Spheres

These spheres work in harmony and are all connected to each other, resulting in a perfectly balanced planet.

Atmosphere The gaseous portion of the earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsjANjFlK0M

Composition

N2 (78%), O2(20%), Ar (<1%)CO2(<1%) H2O(0.5%),as well as many other trace gases and

chemicals.

Composition

The atmosphere also contains trace amounts of biotic and abiotic particles

Abiotic –

Biotic -

Leyers of the atmosphere

Troposphere :

Range: 10km above surface

Temp: 20C -> -60C

Contains 80% of gas particles

Almost all life exists within this layer

Where weather takes place

Stratosphere

Range: 10-50 km

Temp: 0C -> -60C

Contains most of the ozone gas

which protects us from harmful

UV radiation

Mesosphere

Range: 50-80km

Temp: 0C -> -100C

Very little gas

Air is thin

Thermosphere

Range: 80+ km

Temp: -100C -> +1000C

Very little gas.

Takes the brunt of the suns rays,

so it is very hot at daytime and very

cold at night

Hydrosphere

The liquid water portion of the Earth covers 71% of the Earth's surface Is 97% marine and 3% fresh water

Cryosphere The ice portion of the Earth

Antarctica contains 90% of the Earth's Cryosphere and holds approximately 80% of the Earth's fresh water.

Due to Climate Change the ice caps are melting, an event that is having tremendous effects on the earth such as rising sea levels and an increased rate of planetary warming.

Lithosphere

The solid rock and soil portion of the Earth.

The Lithosphere contains many of earth's resources within it such as metals, minerals, and fossil fuels.

When plates of the lithosphere collide, earthquakes occur.

Tar sands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaF5NfCjWHs

Biosphere Consists of all of the life on Earth.

The interactions seen in the biosphere between animals, plants and other organisms are what make earth interesting.

Interraction

All of the spheres of the planet are connected together and interact.

They are also affected by humans.

The biosphere is affected by the actions of humans more than anything else.