Biosphere

Homework: Biosphere: (Ecosphere)

                  Linda Blanc

                                                             January 17, 201[pic 1]6

Biosphere is defined as that part of the earth and atmosphere in which many smaller ecosystems exist and operate. Three main subdivisions of the biosphere are lithosphere which is solid matter; hydrosphere which is liquid matter, and atmosphere or the gaseous envelope of the earth which extends up to a height of 22.5 km. The area of contact and interaction between these components is really important for life, for it is here that the entire life is confined and the basic processes of life like photosynthesis and respiration occur. According to National Geographic people play an important part in maintaining the flow of energy in the biosphere. Sometimes, however, people disrupt the flow. For example, in the atmosphere, oxygen levels decrease and carbon dioxide levels increase when people clear forests or burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Oil spills and industrial wastes threaten life in the hydrosphere. The future of the biosphere will depend on how people interact with other living things within the zone of life.

1. Atmosphere (air)

[pic 2]The atmosphere is the layer of air that stretches above the lithosphere. The air is the body of air which encompasses our planet. A large portion of our environment is found near the world's surface where it is generally thick. The air of our planet is 79% nitrogen and just shy of 21% oxygen; the small sum remaining is made out of carbon dioxide and different gasses. For instance, a bit of soil will obviously have mineral material from the lithosphere.

1. Hydrosphere (water)

The hydrosphere is made out of the greater part of the water on or close to the earth. This incorporates the seas, waterways, lakes, and even the dampness noticeable all around and also streams, ice and clouds that make up earth's water resources. Ninety-seven percent of the world's water is in the seas. The staying three percent is new water; 75% of the crisp water is strong and exists in ice sheets.

1. Lithosphere

The lithosphere is the strong, rough outside layer covering whole planet. This hull is inorganic and is made out of minerals. It covers the whole surface of the earth from the highest point of Mount Everest to the base of the Mariana Trench. According to National Geographic the lithosphere is also the coolest of Earth’s layers. In fact, some definitions of the lithosphere stress its ability to conduct heat associated with the convection taking place in the plastic mantle below the lithosphere. There are two types of lithosphere: oceanic lithosphere and continental[pic 3] lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is connected with oceanic outside layer, and is somewhat denser than oceanic lithosphere. Continental lithosphere is connected with Continental hull which can be much thicker than its oceanic cousin.