The Earth System and Sub-systems

• The term Earth System refers to planet's interacting physical, chemical, and biological processes
• The Earth System is an integrated system, but can be subdivided into four sub-systems: the biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and atmosphere.
• The lithosphere is the outer solid part of the Earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle.
• The atmosphere is the gaseous layer surrounding the Earth and held to its surface by gravity
• the atmosphere contains substances that are essential for life: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen
• the hydrosphere - consists of those parts of the earth system composed of water in its liquid, gaseous, and solid phases.
• the biosphere - contains all living organisms