Earth Systems

Question 1

Atmosphere

Answer 1

The blanket of gas that surrounds the entire planet and extends to the edge of space. The atmosphere includes air, precipitation, clouds, and atmospheric aerosols.

Question 2

Biosphere

Answer 2

All living things, from microbes to humans and everything in between.

Question 3

Geosphere

Answer 3

The solid Earth (rock materials on the surface and in Earth’s interior layers) and soil. See lithosphere.

Question 4

Hydrosphere

Answer 4

All of Earth’s bodies of water, including groundwater. The hydrosphere also includes the cryosphere.