Interdependence

• Earth's life support systems

  • Interdependences
  • Atmosphere
  • Oceans
  • Cryosphere
• The atmosphere plays a role in the greenhouse effect
• CO2 has a vital role in photosynthesis by plants and phytoplankton
• Photosynthesis requires water and carbon
• Ocean acidity increases when exchanges cannot stay in balance


  Solubility of CO2 in oceans increases with lower sea surface temperatures
• Atmospheric CO2 levels influence sea surface temperatures

  Thermal expansion of oceans
• Air temperatures, melting of ice sheets and glaciers


  Sea levels rise
• Water availability


  Influences rates of photosynthesis, net primary productivity, inputs of organic litter to soils, and transpiration
• Storage capacity of soils increases with organic content
• Temperatures and rainfall


  Affect decomposition rates of organic matter, releasing CO2 to the atmosphere
• Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere determine the intensity of the greenhouse effect and melting of cryosphere components
• Melting of ice sheets, glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost


  Exposes land and sea surfaces which absorb more solar radiation and raise temperatures further
• Permafrost melting


  Exposes organic material to oxidation and decomposition, releasing CO2 and CH4
• Temperature changes


  Affect runoff and river flow due to changes in evaporation