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The Earth System at Work
Energy in
The Sun’s radiation is the primary energy source, but heats the Earth unevenly
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Motion
Uneven heating drives winds and ocean currents that spread heat
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Matter cycles
Water, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen cycle between living and non-living systems
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Human activity can disturb this delicate balance — but cooperation can restore it
- Source of energy
- The electromagnetic radiation received from the Sun is the primary source of energy on the Earth.
- Weather
- Most weather processes like evaporation, condensation and precipitation occur in the troposphere.
- Uneven heating
- The shape of the Earth, latitude and axial tilt cause variations in insolation and uneven heating.
- Winds and currents
- Uneven heating of the Earth’s surface generates winds and ocean currents.
- Cycling of matter
- Matter and energy are continuously cycled between the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) systems.
- Oxygen
- Atmospheric oxygen is used in combustion, respiration and oxide formation, and is restored mainly by photosynthesis.
- Four cycles
- Water, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen continuously cycle among the atmosphere, oceans, land and living organisms.
- Value of cycles
- Biogeochemical cycles make nutrients available, sustain life, regulate climate and balance ecosystems.
Revise, Reflect, Refine
Work through the questions below to revise, reflect on, and refine what you learned.
