ENVIRSC 1A03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Pedosphere, Geosphere, Scientific Method
Document Summary
Recognize how humanity"s view of what constitutes the environment has changed over time. Recognize the spheres that make up the environment and their interactions. Describe how the scientific method is applied to the study of the environment. Distinguish the different types of uncertainties associated with environmental science. System - a set of interacting interrelated elements forming a complex whole. Each is clearly defined with their parts interacting within each system. Mixture of gas molecules, small solid and liquid suspended particles, and falling precipitation. Exosphere - where atmosphere gradually merges with space. Without it there would be no lakes or oceans. Contains both fresh, salt and frozen water (including snow and ice) Sometimes the frozen part is called the cryosphere. Soil - sometimes treated as its own system the pedosphere. Landforms provide habitats, soil is a source of nutrients. Includes our economy, culture, technology, communications, structures, any other activities associated with these. All of earth"s systems depend on each other.