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The Earth System
System a collection of interacting objects. The Earth and its atmosphere defines the Earth system. A system consists of three basic elements:
(1) a functioning set of components,
(2) a flow of energy which powers them, and
(3) a process for the internal regulation of their functioning called feedback.
Types of systems
- Open system - Earth spheres
- Closed system - The Earth System
Earth System Components (The "spheres")
- atmosphere
- hydrosphere
- biosphere
- geosphere ("lithosphere" in diagram)
Earth System Energy Flows
- Exogenous - solar radiation
- Endogenous - radioactive decay in core and mantle.
Earth System Regulation
