Answered: Describe the major spheres of the Earth…

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)

9th Edition

ISBN:9780134746241

Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa

Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1LR

See similar textbooks

Related questions

Question

Describe the major spheres of the Earth (5 facts for each and at least 2 examples)

Expert Solution

Introduction

Land, water, air, and living things on the earth are the major systems. These major systems made four major spheres of the earth that is; Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, Atmosphere.

Expanation

Lithosphere

All the landforms come under the lithosphere.
These landforms can be solid, semi-solid, cold, or warm.
The surface topography of the lithosphere is undulating or uneven.
At different locations, the composition, color, structure of the lithosphere can vary.
About 29% surface area of the earth is the lithosphere.

Examples of the lithosphere are the Himalayan Mountains and Ganga plain.

Hydrosphere

All the solid, liquid, or gas form of the water comes under hydrosphere.
The thickness range is about 10-20 km for the hydrosphere of the earth.
At different locations, the composition, color, thickness, texture, and taste of water can vary.
The hydrosphere is categorized into two on the basis of salt percentage, that is, salty water and fresh water.
About 71% surface area of the earth is hydrosphere.

Examples of the hydrosphere are Oceans and Rivers.

Biosphere

All the living things come under the biosphere.
The microorganisms, plants, animals come under the biosphere.
Biosphere got generated with the help of lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
On the basis of ecological communities, the biosphere is divided into biomes. Example- desert biomes.
At the different locations of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, the condition of the biomes vary.

Examples of the biosphere are Rainforest and Greenland.

Atmosphere

All the air systems of the earth come under the atmosphere.
The atmosphere is composed mainly of carbon-di-oxide, oxygen, and nitrogen gas.
The atmosphere extends about 1000 km above the earth's surface from the lithosphere.
The atmosphere is held on the earth because of gravitational forces.
There are six layers of the atmosphere that are; the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, thermosphere, Ionosphere, and Exosphere.

Examples of the atmosphere are the Troposphere and Stratosphere.