Earth's Four Interconnected Systems
Earth operates through four main systems that constantly interact with each other. The atmosphere is our gas blanket made of 78% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, and small amounts of other gases, organized in layers from troposphere to thermosphere.
The hydrosphere includes all water on Earth - oceans, rivers, lakes, and ice - covering 70% of our planet's surface. Most of this (98%) is saltwater in our oceans.
The geosphere is Earth's solid part where dramatic processes like volcanic eruptions and mountain building happen. The lithosphere (the outer solid layer) is part of this system.
Finally, the biosphere represents all living things and their ecosystems. This includes you, your pets, plants in your garden, and even tiny microorganisms - all interacting with each other and the other three systems.
🌟 Key insight: These four systems don't work alone - they're constantly exchanging materials and energy, creating the dynamic planet we call home!