The Earth’s Physical Systems
Atmosphere, Hydrosphere,
Lithosphere, and Biosphere
Earth System (4 physical systems)

Atmosphere


Layer of gases that surround Earth. Allows
you to breathe and protects earth.
Lithosphere (crust and MOHO)

Surface of the planet that forms the continents
and the ocean floor.
Earth System (4 physical systems)

Hydrosphere


All the water on Earth (ocean, ice, and water
vapor in the atmosphere)
Biosphere

Part of Earth where life exists.
Lithosphere
METEOROLOGY
Biosphere
GEOLOGY
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
ASTRONOMY
OCEANOGRAPHY
Human Actions Affecting the Atmosphere
NEGATIVE
Ozone Depletion
 UV rays can destroy a type of
bacteria known as
Cyanobacteria which produces
much of Earth's oxygen.
 Exposure to harmful UV rays
can cause skin cancer and
cataracts.
 An excess level of UV rays
could lead to the death of the
phytoplanktons, that are an
important component of the
food web of the oceans.
Global warming
 Glacier melting which leads to
flooding
 Changing weather
POSITIVE

Clean Air Act
Human Actions Affecting the Lithosphere
NEGATIVE
Over Harvesting
•imbalance in the food chain
the death of a species
Air and Water Pollution
• Weathering
• Loss of useful water
POSITIVE



Reforestation
Restocking of fish
Water purification
Human Actions Affecting the Hydrosphere
NEGATIVE
Pesticides
 washing into river
systems
 Decline of quality
groundwater
Acid Rain
 Damages trees at high
elevations
 decay of building
materials and paints,
including irreplaceable
buildings, statues, and
sculptures
 harmful to public health
POSITIVE
 Release of oceanic
carbon dioxide
Human Actions Affecting the Biosphere
NEGATIVE
Deforestation
 flooding
 landslides and mudslides
 trees are an important part of
the water cycle
 forests home to a large
number of animals
Strip Mining
 water pollution
 landslides
 fires
 hazards to public health &
safety
POSITIVE
 Prevention of forest fires
by proper forest
management