Earth is divided into 4 subsystems which are the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The geosphere is that portion of the earth that consists of all rocks and minerals, whereas the biosphere is a part of the crust consisting of living organisms. The biosphere consists of all living organisms whereas the geosphere is the master of all rocks. All 4 subsystems interact with each other, however, how does the Earth subsystem interact with each other? In this article, we will be clearing all your doubts regarding the interaction between geosphere and biosphere in detail and how the interaction of the atmosphere with the lithosphere benefits the biosphere. We will dig all of them together today!
1. How does the Earth Subsystem interact with Each Other?
The earth subsystem includes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and lithosphere which influence the climate and accelerate the geological processes, in turn affecting life on Earth. The process of how the earth subsystem interact with each other is the transfer of matter and energy from one sphere to another. Change in one sphere causes the other sphere to change due to the continuous interaction between all subsystems. For example, geosphere materials are used to manufacture the machinery for farms that are used by humans i.e the biosphere for plowing and the plants are watered by the process of precipitation(hydrosphere). (See Which is not a physical factor in the ecosystem?)
2. What are Examples of Sphere Interactions?
The obvious follow-up question after learning how the earth subsystem interact with each would be about the examples of sphere interactions.
- The geosphere i.e., the rocky surface was built by humans i.e., the biosphere.
- Energy is harnessed from the water, which is the hydrosphere, by humans i.e., the biosphere by using the turbines which spin thus producing electricity from the geosphere.
- The water in the air that is the atmosphere comes from the evaporation of lake water i.e., the hydrosphere, a from of groundwater.
3. What is the Interaction between Geosphere and Biosphere?
The interaction between the biosphere and geosphere happens when the living organisms from the biosphere burrow themselves into the ground or eat plants that grow in the soil. The geosphere also provides the medium of living to the biosphere. In addition to this interaction, you will see later how the interaction of the atmosphere with the lithosphere benefits the biosphere. (See What are the Two Components of the Lithosphere?)
4. What are Examples of Interaction between Geosphere and Biosphere?
The earth subsystems interact with each other in various ways. Let’s see the examples of sphere interactions i.e., the interaction between geosphere and biosphere:
- Humans (humans as a part of the biosphere) build a bridge with the help of rock materials (geosphere).
- Moles (biosphere) burrow themselves into the ground (geosphere).
- Volcanic eruptions erupting from the ground (geosphere) cause hazardous effects on living organisms (biosphere).
5. What is the Interaction between Geosphere and Hydrosphere?
Learning about the interaction between geosphere and biosphere might make you wonder about the interaction between geosphere and hydrosphere, isn’t it? The hydrosphere is made up of the total amount of water that pertains to the earth’s surface. It interacts with the geosphere through precipitation which promotes soil erosion and weathering, leading to the formation of small rocks due to the breakdown of bigger rocks. (See What causes Breaking Down of Rocks into Fragments?)
6. What is the Interaction between Hydrosphere and Biosphere?
You know the interaction between geosphere and biosphere but how does the interaction between the hydrosphere and biosphere take place?
The hydrosphere interacts with the biosphere by providing water which is essential for the biosphere to grow, live, and function. Flooding of the lands is also a part of this interaction. (See What is an Example of a Geological Event?)
7. What is an Example of Interactions between the Atmosphere and Geosphere?
Examples of sphere interactions include the interactions between the atmosphere and the geosphere. Following are examples:
- Rays of the sun keep the molten lava in the ground heat.
- There is a change in weather because of volcanic eruptions.
8. Which Interaction of the Atmosphere with the Lithosphere benefits the Biosphere?
The lithosphere and atmosphere chemically interact with each other in many ways like volcanic eruptions, and wind erosion thus leading to a change in the shape of the lithosphere which is the sphere of land. The interaction of the atmosphere with the lithosphere benefits the biosphere as volcanic eruptions cause the release of nitrogen gas which benefits the biosphere as they are crucial for all living beings. Must read What makes up the Lithosphere?
9. What is an Example of the Geosphere interacting with the Hydrosphere?
The geosphere and hydrosphere interact in a number of ways:
- Geosphere erosion through running water is caused by the hydrosphere.
- Rainwater eroding the topsoil is also an example of this interaction.
10. What is the Interaction of Lithosphere and Biosphere?
As you are aware of the interaction between geosphere and biosphere, it’s time for the interaction between the lithosphere and the biosphere. The lithosphere and biosphere interact with each other as the components living in the lithosphere are the components of the biosphere. The habitat is kept safe by the interaction between the lithosphere and the biosphere. The lithosphere provides essential nutrients for their life processes. After their death, the body is decomposed and contributes to the lithosphere.
Thus, the lithosphere is responsible for the survival of the biosphere while the renewal of the lithosphere is dependent on the biosphere. (See What are some plants that prevent soil erosion?)
11. Which is an Example of a Connection between Biosphere connecting to Atmosphere?
Examples of connections between biosphere and atmosphere include:
- Carbon dioxide: Gas is emitted as a by-product of combustion and respiration of human beings into the atmosphere.
- Global warming: Ozone and acid deposition stunts the growth of plants.
- Greenhouse effect: The loss of heat is reduced by using solar radiation directly and the surface of the Earth is warmed.
- Aerosols: Gases that are compacted when sprayed discharge high amounts of air or gas, for eg: mist or perfume which is used by humans.
- Emissions: When the combustion of a natural fuel takes place, emissions are discharged into the atmosphere. If the combustion is incomplete, it leads to carbon dioxide emission.
