GGR101H1 Lecture Notes - Complex System, Carbon Cycle, Canadian Shield
Document Summary
Environment covers all of ambient influence in the physical, biological and human world: physical environment includes characteristics of. Biosphere constrained by elements of physical environment & interactions. Atmosphere composed of nitrogen (78%) & oxygen (20%: produces greenhouse effect b/c of small concentrations of co2, ch4, etc, without greenhouse effect: -50 degrees c (not completely man-made phenomenon) Addition of co2 due to natural and human activity. Substantially; climate changed due to proportions of greenhouse gases. Hydrosphere: unique in solar system: water exists as a solid, liquid or gas (readily exchanges between states) energy exchanges accompany changes in state (evaporation & condensation & precipitation) More land above water than there has been in a long time. Changes in the amount of water on the earth = shape and size of the oceans varies. Huge role in climate change intersection between hydrosphere & atmosphere (energy exchanges occur) As long as the earth has had a crust (~3. 5 billion years)