GPHY 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Water Cycle

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Geography
• Course: GPHY 102
• Professor: Dr.Trezino

Document Summary

Introduction to physical geography and earth system science. Science and systems of the human environment, 5th edition, john. Scales global to local (objects, areas, processes dependent on scale) Systems flow systems of matter and energy (able to determine how systems react to changes to inputs) Cycles regular changes in energy and matter flows in a system that recur in a fixed period of time (e. g. , seasonal variations in radiation) The natural systems studied in physical geography operate within the four great realms, or spheres: The gaseous layer that surrounds the earth. Receives heat and moisture from the surface and redistributes them, returning some heat and all of the moisture to the surface. Supplies vital elements (e. g. , carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen) to support all life forms. The outermost solid portion of the earth. Has a thin layer of soil covering solid rock (nutrients available to living organisms). Is sculpted into landforms, such as mountains, hills, plains, and valleys.