Question

Give three instantaneous scale (time) examples of Earth's systems, two long-term scale (time) examples of Earth's sytems, and three examples of cycles of Earth's systems. Why are volcanoes and volcanic activity a good example of system interactions? (Site 2)

Answer 1

The Earth is made of several subsystems or "spheres" that interact to form a complex and continuously changing whole called the Earth system.

Geosphere (lithosphere):
all of the rocks and "hard parts" of the Earth
Hydrosphere:
all of Earth's water
Biosphere:
all living things
Atmosphere:
the blanket of gases surrounding the planet
Cosmosphere:
the universe surrounding the Earth


Scale
Processes operating in the Earth system take place on spatial scales varying from fractions of millimeters to thousands of kilometers, and on time scales that range from milliseconds to billions of years.

Examples of instantaneous - breathing; rotation of the Earth; earthquake
Examples of long term - making coal; plate tectonics
Cycles
The Earth system is characterized by numerous overlapping cycles in which matter is recycled over and over again. Cycles involve multiple spheres and systems interactions.

Examples of cycles: day and night; rock cycle; seasons

Energy
The Earth system is powered by energy from two major sources: the Sun and the planet's internal heat.

Humans and the Earth System
People are part of the Earth system and they impact and are impacted by its materials and processes...