Slide 1
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 sunMost sun energy is absorbed by clouds, oceans and land masses
The Earth is nearly spherical in shape. Sunlight strikes only half of the Earth's surface at any moment in time (day), while the opposite side of the Earth is in darkness (night). The tilt and revolution of the Earth around the Sun causes the seasons.2Solar Radiation Global AtmosphereLand, air, and water absorb and reflect energy from the sunHot air rises at the equator and sinks when cooledEarths rotation and unequal heating causes global wind patterns
Solar Radiation - AtmosphereRegional Weather
AtmosphereSupports life, creates weather and ocean currentsTroposphere (weather layer) contains 21% Oxygen and 78% NitrogenStratosphere contains ozoneresponsible for shielding out harmful rays
Atmosphere and waterWater 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 OceansThere 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 atmosphereEquatorial oceans absorbs heat from the air
Polar oceans transfer heat to the air
Both contribute to atmosphere and currents
Ocean CurrentsCausesRotation of the earthTidesSalinity & Temperature
Our Physical Earth Temperature/Pressure
Internal Heat Sources
Physical Behavior of Matter: Convection
Earths Layered Interior: Density/Gravity
Plate Tectonics & Change over time
Temperature/Pressure
Temperature 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 SourcesThe 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: ConvectionConvection in the rocky mantle powers plate tectonics and drives many of the geological processes we observe at the surface.
Demonstration: hot plate with square glassware/lava lamp.Earths Interior: Density/
3D model of earth as demo 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 Earths boundary are four interdependent partsHydrosphereWater portion of our planetAtmosphereGaseous envelope that surrounds are planetGeosphereThe solid, non-living Earth (Crust to Core)BiosphereIncludes all living organisms on Earth
Spheres of Earth are closely connected An event that causes change in one often leads to changes in othersBirds (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 SystemsCauses of ChangeEvents caused by living organisms (Biological)
Oil SpillAir PollutionPopulation Growth
Naturally Occurring Events (Geophysical)
El NinoVolcanic EruptionEarthquake
Why is understanding Earth Systems Important?Understanding interactions occurring between earth systems allows people to predict the outcome of eventsDetermine the environmental effects of building a coal-burning power plant before beginning constructionIt is also helps people to prepare for the effects of natural disastersDetermine the environmental impacts of a large volcanic eruption of Mount St. HelensWhat are some examples of How Earth Systems Interact?
El NinoEvent- 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 AmericaAlters Global Air CurrentsHydrosphere-AtmosphereWarmer water decreases nutrient availability for fishFish populations are reducedHydrosphere-Biosphere
Volcanic EruptionEvent-Mount Saint Helens Erupts Underlying molten material from Earths Interior increases pressure on Earths surface and results in an enormous volcanic eruptionCausesMelts nearby glacial iceKills large populations of plants and animalsLarge amounts of volcanic ash are emitted into the atmosphere
EffectsNearby bodies of water (streams, rivers, and lakes) floodGeosphere-HydrosphereDue to large plant and animal die-offs the food chain is disruptedGeosphere- BiosphereVolcanic ash in the atmosphere blocks the suns rays and changes global weather patternsGeosphere- Atmospere
Ozone DepletionEvent - Ozone depletion above AntarcticaCause 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
EffectIncreases levels of ultra-violet B radiation around the worldAtmosphere-HydrosphereChronic exposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer, cataracts etc.DNA mutation occurring in plantsAtmosphere-Biosphere
