1. The Earth’s Spheres
What are the 4 primary components of
planet Earth?
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2. The Earth’s Spheres
Water Life Air Land
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4. The Earth’s Spheres
Hydrosphere Atmosphere
Biosphere Lithosphere
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6. The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is
the layer of gases
surrounding the
Earth.
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7. The Atmosphere
It is composed of:
78% N2
21% O2
1% other gases (Ar, H2O, CO2, etc.)
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8. The Atmosphere
Why is the atmosphere important?
•It moderates temperatures on Earth’s
surface.
•It blocks some incoming solar radiation.
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9. The Atmosphere
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10. The Lithosphere
The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of
the Earth.
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11. The Lithosphere
It includes mountains and ocean floors,
and ranges from 50km to 150km thick.
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12. The Lithosphere
It contains many valuable resources, such
as metals, minerals, and fossil fuels.
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13. The Lithosphere

14. The Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere is all of the water on
Earth.
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15. The Hydrosphere
It includes
lakes, oceans, clouds, ice, snow, and
groundwater.
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16. The Hydrosphere
97% of the Earth’s water is contained in its
oceans.
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17. The Biosphere
The Biosphere is any zone around Earth
where life can exist.
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18. The Biosphere
The biosphere must exist within the other
3 spheres.
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19. The Gaia Hypothesis
The Gaia Hypothesis believes that the
Earth is able to act like a living being.
Mother Earth
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20. The Gaia Hypothesis
As a living being, the Earth can react to
changes in or around it and regulate itself
over time.
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21. The Gaia Hypothesis
The Gaia Hypothesis is not fact, but the perception of Earth as
a living thing promotes awareness and stewardship for Earth.
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