Lithosphere
What is the lithosphere?
The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth and contains all the rocks and minerals on Earth. It is the ground we walk on.
The biosphere contains things like...
Humans, plants, animals, microscopic organisms, etc.
Blanket!
The root word "hydro" means...
Water!
How can humans help to prevent wildfires? Give at least 2 examples.
- Do not leave any kid of fire unattended.
- Remind adults not to throw cigarette butts out of car windows.
- Always put camp fires out fully before leaving the site.
- Listen to and abide by fire bans.
- Never light a fire when it is windy outside.
The lithosphere is the top _____ layers of the Earth!
TWO!
What is the biosphere?
The biosphere contains all organisms (living things) on Earth. This includes plants, animals, and humans!
The root word "Atmo-" means...
Air!
What is the hydrosphere?
The hydrosphere contains water in all its forms.
Name the two biggest ways that someone can be prepared for a hurricane or a tsunami.
- Go to high ground (to avoid being caught in flooding)
- Move as far inland as possible
The root word "Litho" means...
Stone!
The biosphere and the atmosphere are ALWAYS interacting. What is the main way that humans interact with the atmosphere constantly?
The atmosphere and hydrosphere are ALWAYS interacting because there is _______ __________ in the air.
Water Vapour!
Name two things that humans do that can cause changes in the hydrosphere?
Any two of the following:
- Throw trash into the oceans affecting the sea life and quality of the water.
- Factories dumping their waste into rivers and lakes.
- Building dams and other infrastructure causes water to be re-routed, stopped, or used up in some areas.
How is a tree constantly interacting with all four spheres?
Examples:
Hydrosphere:
- the tree soaks up water from the ground through its roots. Water is vital in photosynthesis.
- The canopy of trees can protect the ground from heavy rain fall.
Lithosphere:
- trees are rooted in the ground and soak up nutrients from the ground in order to create food for itself.
Atmosphere:
- Trees take in carbon dioxide that humans and animals breathe out (as part of photosynthesis) and return oxygen into the atmosphere for humans and animals to breathe in.
Biosphere:
- Many small animals use trees as homes, some animals eat the leaves or fruits of trees (including humans), and the wood is used for many things by not only humans but animals as well (ex: beavers).
How might a severe flood impact the lithosphere?
Any of the following answers:
- A flood can erode the ground.
- A flood can take necessary nutrients away from one place and transport them somewhere else.
- A flood can cause the ground to be too saturated, leaving it unsuitable for growing crops.
The root word "bio" means...
Life!
What are two ways that a wildfire would affect the atmosphere?
1) Smoke and ash will rise into the atmosphere, contaminating the air that humans and animals breathe.
2) Smoke and ash blocks the sun’s rays and can make the air colder and cause strange weather patterns for a while.
Humans are ALWAYS interacting with the hydrosphere. What is the most direct way (the most major way) that we interact with the hydrosphere constantly?
Our bodies are made of 70% water. Therefore, we are inherently interacting with the hydrosphere constantly!
Examples below:
Hydrosphere:
- picks up and throws debris around, contaminating water sources.
Lithosphere:
- Strength of water and wind can erode the ground transport it other places.
Atmosphere:
- Because of the strength of the wind, debris from what the hurricane picked up can remain in the air, making it contaminated when humans and animals breath it in.
Biosphere:
- Strength of wind and water can sweep away homes, animals, and people, threatening the lives of anyone near it.
Which of the following things are not part of the lithosphere?
a) mountains
b) trees
c) soil
d) coulees
B) Trees!
Trees are living things. We also do not walk on them, therefore, they are not part of the lithosphere.
What are two ways that light pollution might affect the biosphere?
Any two of the following:
- Animals can not tell whether it is day or night
- Nocturnal animals have their systems thrown off
- People struggle sleeping when the sky does not get fully dark.
- People can not enjoy the night sky because of Sky Glow.
- Light pollution has been linked to cancer in humans.
What are the two main things that the atmosphere protects Earth from?
The sun's radiation and meteors.
How might ice melting in the north and south poles affect the hydrosphere as well as the other three spheres around the world?
Any of the following answers:
- Ocean Levels Rise. The ice at the poles is frozen water. When it melts, it flows into the ocean, making sea levels go up. This can flood cities and beaches near the coast.
- Weather Changes. The polar ice helps keep the Earth cool. When it melts, the ocean gets warmer. Warmer water can lead to stronger storms like hurricanes and heavy rain.
- Animals Lose Their Homes. Polar bears, penguins, and other animals live on ice. When it melts, they lose their homes and have trouble finding food.
DAILY DOUBLE! (You will get double the points for this question if you get it correct!)
What is the name of the invasive species that we discussed in class that attaches itself to the bottom of boats and other water crafts and multiplies in the water rapidly, taking away food sources and habitats of other sea creatures?
Zebra Mussels!