Earth’s Spheres Influence Climate — Passage and Quiz

Earth can be divided into four main spheres: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. The atmosphere is the envelope of gases surrounding the planet. The hydrosphere encompasses all surface water including oceans, lakes, and ice. The lithosphere includes Earth’s crust and upper mantle. The biosphere comprises all living organisms.

These spheres intersect in ways that affect climate. Volcanic eruptions release particles into the air that reflect sunlight and cause temporary cooling. Evaporation links the hydrosphere and atmosphere through the water cycle. Burning coal transfers carbon from the lithosphere to the atmosphere, trapping heat. Melting ice caps alter ocean currents and weather patterns worldwide.

Tracking how Earth's spheres interact with each other helps us understand both natural climate variation and climate change caused by human activity over time. Small changes in one sphere can start complex chain reactions across other spheres through movements of energy. For example, melting sea ice impacts atmospheric circulation through disruption of ocean currents. Developing a bigger picture view of Earth as an interconnected system of atmospheres, oceans and living organisms is key for fully understanding climate.