Page 223 - Big Ideas Year 10 sciPAD 2025

PHOTOCOPYING PROHIBITED
© Silverback Academic Media 223
SCIPAD - BIG IDEAS - BOOK 2
EARTH SYSTEMS
Earth’s Spheres
Earth is made up of four main subsystems, commonly known as spheres. These spheres don’t
operate in isolation; they’re constantly influencing one another. For instance, ocean currents in
the hydrosphere can affect atmospheric temperatures. Similarly, life in the biosphere relies on
resources from both the lithosphere and hydrosphere.
Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial because human activities have a significant
impact on all of these spheres. From mining minerals in the lithosphere to emitting greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere, our actions reverberate throughout the Earth’s systems, emphasising
the need for sustainable practices.
1. Give an example of how humans can negatively impact each of the following:
(a) Atmosphere: 

(b) Hydrosphere: 

(c) Lithosphere: 

(d) Biosphere: 

The biosphere: is the zone on Earth
where life exists, encompassing living
organisms in the atmosphere, lithosphere,
and hydrosphere. It plays a crucial role
in maintaining the planet’s ecological
balance.
The lithosphere: is the rigid outer layer
of the Earth, comprising the crust and
the uppermost part of the mantle. The
lithosphere is broken into tectonic plates,
which can move and interact.
The atmosphere: is the layer of gases surrounding
Earth, extending from the planet’s surface to about
450 km above it. The atmosphere plays crucial roles
in climate regulation, protection from solar radiation,
and enabling life by providing breathable air.
The hydrosphere: encompasses all the water present
on Earth, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and
underground reservoirs. Covering about 71% of
the planet’s surface, the hydrosphere is essential
for supporting life and plays a significant role in
regulating climate and weather patterns.