Module 2 Origin and Structure of The Earth The Subsystem
Module 2 Origin and Structure of The Earth The Subsystem
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Earth is a complex system made up of many smaller systems through which matter
and energy are continuously cycled. Energy and matter flow through Earth’s spheres:
geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Energy flows through the
atmosphere mostly by convection. How does matter and energy flow across the four
subsystems of the Earth? The Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries
matter and energy flows, the atmosphere (air), biosphere (living things), hydrosphere
(water), and geosphere (land). The atmosphere provides the geosphere with heat and
energy needed for rock breakdown and erosion. The biosphere receives gases, heat, and
sunlight (energy) from the atmosphere. It receives water from the hydrosphere and a
living medium from the geosphere.
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