The Earth system is complex and comprises four major geological subsystems. Many natural processes arise from the interactions among these subsystems. The Four (4) Major Geological Subsystems of the Earth A. Atmosphere is the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. It makes up about 0.07% of the Earth's mass. B. Hydrosphere - comprises all waters on Earth, including subsurface (e.g., oceans, lakes, and rivers) and atmospheric (e.g., water vapor) water. The ocean is the hydrosphere's largest component. C. Geosphere is the solid portion of the Earth, which is made up of rocks and minerals. D. Biosphere - consists of all organisms on Earth, including those on land, in the waters, and in the air. Interaction between two or more spheres: 1. El Niño (Hydrosphere and Atmosphere) 2. Ozone Exchange (Atmosphere and Biosphere) 3. Tectonics (Hydrosphere and Lithosphere) 4. Photosynthesis (Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere) Exercises: 1. Choose one of the interactions between spheres above and explain how it gives rise to the stated natural phenomenon. Illustrate with a drawing. 2. Identify the different types of spheres interacting in the following geologic events. a) Typhoon b) Tsunami c) Volcanic eruptionThe Earth system is complex and comprises four major geological subsystems. Many natural processes arise from the interactions among these subsystems. The Four (4) Major Geological Subsystems of the Earth A. Atmosphere is the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. It makes up about 0.07% of the Earth's mass. B. Hydrosphere - comprises all waters on Earth, including subsurface (e.g., oceans, lakes, and rivers) and atmospheric (e.g., water vapor) water. The ocean is the hydrosphere's largest component. C. Geosphere is the solid portion of the Earth, which is made up of rocks and minerals. D. Biosphere - consists of all organisms on Earth, including those on land, in the waters, and in the air. Interaction between two or more spheres: 1. El Niño (Hydrosphere and Atmosphere) 2. Ozone Exchange (Atmosphere and Biosphere) 3. Tectonics (Hydrosphere and Lithosphere) 4. Photosynthesis (Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere) Exercises: 1. Choose one of the interactions between spheres above and explain how it gives rise to the stated natural phenomenon. Illustrate with a drawing. 2. Identify the different types of spheres interacting in the following geologic events. a) Typhoon b) Tsunami c) Volcanic eruption
Answer (1)
1. El Niño happens when warm ocean water (hydrosphere) in the Pacific moves eastward, changing air pressure and wind patterns in the atmosphere. This interaction disrupts normal weather, causing heavy rains, droughts, or storms in different parts of the world. For example, warmer ocean water heats the air above it, which affects wind and rain patterns, leading to unusual weather events globally. This shows how changes in the hydrosphere directly impact the atmosphere, creating the El Niño phenomenon.(For illustration, you can draw the Pacific Ocean with warm water moving east, arrows showing wind changes, and clouds indicating altered weather.)2.a) Typhoon – Interaction of Atmosphere (air and weather systems) and Hydrosphere (ocean water providing moisture and energy).b) Tsunami – Interaction of Geosphere (earthquake or underwater landslide causing sea floor movement) and Hydrosphere (ocean water displaced to form waves).c) Volcanic eruption – Interaction of Geosphere (magma and rocks erupting from Earth’s crust), Atmosphere (ash and gases released into the air), and sometimes Hydrosphere (if near water bodies or ice).
