IBL - Earth System Interactions Lesson

EarthSystems_Lesson_TopBanner.png 

Earth System Interactions

atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphereThe earth is made up of complex systems with many different types of interactions, chemical, physical, and biological, which affect both abiotic (nonliving) and biotic (living) components. These interactions happen in and across the Earth's major spheres, which include the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

  • Geosphere, which consists of the core, mantle, and crust of the Earth
  • Atmosphere, which consists of the air that surrounds the earth and is divided into several layers
  • Hydrosphere, which contains all of the solid, liquid, and gaseous water on Earth
  • Biosphere, which includes all life on Earth, placed in different biomes around the world

Each of the spheres has its own identity and role in creating and sustaining life on Earth. Yet there is substantial interaction between them that can have profound effects on the others. Consider the various ways a volcano eruption can affect the other spheres.

San Miguel (volcano) , El Salvador. On December 29, 2013, San Miguel volcano, also known as "Chaparrastique", erupted at 10.30 local time, spewing a large column of ash and smoke into the sky. the eruption, the first in 11 years, was seen from space and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people living in a 3km radius around the volcano.

As we have studied, a volcano is a release of a large amount of matter including lava, ash, and gases that escape from the magma chamber to the Earth's surface. Volcanoes are an event that occurs in the geosphere but can have profound effects on the other spheres. Consider the following:

  • Volcanoes can cause large amounts of particulate matter to be released into the atmosphere, which can cause water droplets to form and fall, which can affect plant growth.
  • Volcanoes can release large amounts of lava, which can cause the glaciers to melt, cause there to be more water and potentially flooding downstream and can affect life.
  • Volcanoes release large amounts of carbon dioxide, which plants need as raw material, so this may increase photosynthesis production, and eventually increase biomass in an area.
  • Volcanoes can release large amounts of sulfur dioxide in the atmospheres, which when combined with water can create acid rain. This can be released into the soil, affecting plant growth, and the amount of biomass available to primary consumers.

Complete the activity below:

EarthSystemns_BottomBanner.png 

IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPENSOURCE