Earth's Spheres and Their Interactions

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Definition of Geosphere

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The solid, non-living parts of Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core.

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Key features of the Geosphere

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Includes the crust, mantle, core, rocks, minerals, soil, and landforms.

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Interactions of the Geosphere

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Volcanoes release gases into the atmosphere; erosion by water and wind; plant roots break down rocks.

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Human impact on the Geosphere

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Mining, construction, deforestation, and agriculture.

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Percentage of Earth's surface covered by water

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Approximately 71%.

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Interactions of the Hydrosphere

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Evaporation transfers water to the atmosphere; precipitation returns water to the hydrosphere.

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Aquatic life depends on this sphere

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The hydrosphere.

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Human impact on the Hydrosphere

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Pollution of rivers, lakes, and oceans; damming rivers; overuse of groundwater.

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Volcanoes release gases into this sphere

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The atmosphere.

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Plant roots break down rocks in this sphere

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The geosphere.