SCIENCE

QUARTER
1- MODULE
2
THE EARTH’S
SUBSYSTEM
 Explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and
energy flow.(S11/12ES-Ia-e-4)

Specifically, you should be able to:

1. describe the Earth’s four subsystems; and
2. cite examples of interactions occur between Earth’s subsystems.
EXPLORE
Activity 1
H = HYDROSPHERE
Spheres Interactions
Choose the spheres that are working together to create the
indicated phenomenon.
Write the letters representing the spheres in the box.
1. Water in the lake seeps intothe cliff walls behind then G = GEOSPHERE
dam, becoming undergroundwater or evaporating into the air
2. A mountain range blocks rainfall from reaching an area,
making it dry.
3. The ocean supports many ecosystems from coral reefs to
tide pools.
4. A sudden rainstorm in the desert can cause flooding and A = ATMOSPHERE
sever erosion, changing the landscape.

B = BIOSPHERE
 5. Volcanic dents in the ocean

EXPLORE creates habitats for creatures

that live in or near the intense
heat.

6. The troposphere is where H = HYDROSPHERE

evaporating water from the
ocean forms clouds and
precipitation.

7. Wave action from the strong

winds causes the coastline to
erode. G = GEOSPHERE

8. Warming the oceans with

climate change may be
causing the increase violence
in the storms.

9. Daily rain and equator warmth

creates the perfect weather
and climate in the country. A = ATMOSPHERE

10. Plants draw water and

nutrients from the soil and
release water vapor into the
atmosphere.
 EXPLAIN

The Earth is essentially a closed system.

It receives energy from the sun and
returns some of this energy to space. It
is comprised of four components or
subsystems:
The Earth has become so perfect for living organisms because of its interactingphysical, chemical
and biological processes called Earth system. The Earth system is a set of all matter both living and
non-living, energy, and processes within Earth’s boundary.
It is powered by energy from two major sources: the sun and the planet’s internal heat.
This enables numerous processes and cycles to take place. Scientists break down Earth’s major
system into four subsystems (also called spheres) such as,

 the lithosphere/geosphere (land),

 hydrosphere (water),
 biosphere (life), and
 atmosphere (air).

These subsystems work together to influence the climate, trigger

geological processes, affect life all over the earth.
Subsystems of the Earth
The four subsystems of the Earth are:
1. Atmosphere – it is the gaseous layer above the Earth’s surface, primarily composed
of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Other gases like argon, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide, ozone, and other inert gases made the remaining 1%. The atmosphere
supports life because animals and oxygen, and plants need both carbon dioxide and
oxygen. In addition, the atmosphere supports life indirectly by regulating climate. Air
acts as both a blanket and a filter, retaining heat at night and shielding from direct
solar radiation during the day.

2. Biosphere – the zone of Earth where all forms of life exist: in the sea, on land,
and in water. It is sometimes called as the large ecosystem. This is the zone that life
inhabits. Biosphere is a very thin layer of the earth’s surface.
Subsystems of the Earth

3. Geosphere – the solid Earth, consisting of the entire planet from the center of the core to the
outer crust. It includes the core, mantle, and crust of the Earth.

4. Hydrosphere – the water part of the Earth which circulates among oceans, continents,
glaciers, and atmosphere. Oceans cover 71% of the Earth and contain 97.5% of its water.
Interactions in Earth’s Spheres
Although the four systems have their unique identities, they are closely connected. For example,
many birds (biosphere) fly through the air (atmosphere), while water (hydrosphere) flows through
the soil (geosphere).

These close connections cause changes to take place in Earths spheres. These changes are
called events. This two-way relationship between event and sphere is called interactions.
Volcano. Volcanoes in the geosphere may cause profound direct and indirect effects
on the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. This happens when volcanoes
(geosphere) emit large amount of particulate matter into the air (atmosphere). These
particles serve as nuclei for the formation of water droplets (hydrosphere). Rainfall
(hydrosphere) often increases often increases following an eruption, stimulating plat
growth (biosphere).

Acid Rain. Acid rain is any form of liquid precipitation (hydrosphere) that contains
high
level of nitric and sulfuric acid. Rain (hydrosphere) brings these acids to the Earth,
acidifying soil (geosphere) lakes and rivers (hydrosphere). Acidic water leaches
nutrients from the soil (geosphere) into the water table (hydrosphere, making the soil
less fertile for the plants(biosphere) and the subterranean water (hydrosphere) not
potable for humans (biosphere).
Forest Fire. Forest fire (an event in biosphere) may destroy all the plants (biosphere)
in the area. This could lead to increase in erosion (geosphere). Increased amount of
soil entering the streams (hydrosphere) can lead to increased turbidity or muddiness
of the water which will affect that plants and animals (biosphere) that live in it.

Other examples of events are typhoon, photosynthesis, El Nińo, ozone change and many others.
Part A:
1. Using the illustration
below, identify how energy
and mass is exchanged
among the
subsystems. Use different
types of lines and boxes to
differentiate between matter
or
materials and energy.
2. Use arrows to indicate the
interaction among
components.
3. Use the following terms to
complete the cycle:
• Condensation
• Precipitation
• Evaporation
• Transpiration
• Infiltration
• Surface run-off
 What is Earth
Direction: Complete the concept map The Earth
Subsystem are: system?
Events that takes
place are:
below. Copy the concept map in
yournotebook to write your answer.

The earth is
powered by the
energy coming
from:
Let us again read the concepts below to fully understand our planet.
• Earth system is a collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined
boundary.
• The Earth is made up of four subsystems called spheres.
• The Earth’s spheres include the lithosphere/geosphere (land), hydrosphere
(water), biosphere (life), and atmosphere (air).
• Biosphere, also termed as zone of life, maintains the ecosystems including the
life of organisms and their interactions. It also helps in regulating the climate.
• Without hydrosphere, life could not exist because water plays a very important
role for the cells to carry out their normal functions. It also provides habitat for
many aquatic animals and regulate the climate. Humans use water for drinking,
cleaning and in industry.
• The Earth’s atmosphere protects inhabitants by providing warmth and absorbing harmful solar rays. It
also contains oxygen and carbon dioxide which living things need to survive.

• Geosphere is important to life forms on Earth because it provides ecological habitat and develops a
layer of soil in which nutrients become available to living organisms.

• The subsystems work together to influence the climate and trigger geological processes that affect life
on earth.

• Volcanic eruption, tsunami, water cycle and photosynthesis are events that take place due to the
interaction of spheres.
Let us check what concepts and ideas you have learned from the lesson.
Directions: Choose and write the letter of the correct answer in your notebook.
1. What sphere is shown in the photo?
a. Atmosphere c. Geosphere
b. Hydrosphere d. Biosphere

2. No single living creature could exist on Earth without hydrosphere. Which of the
following statements is the function of hydrosphere?
a. Redirects the rotation of the planet
b. Absorbs and interact with harmful solar rays
c. Controls the distribution of minerals, rocks and soil
d. Sustains life forms by regulating heat on earth

3. Which sphere maintains the ecosystem?

a. Atmosphere c. Geosphere
b. Biosphere d. Hydrosphere
4. Which of the following best illustrates the interaction between hydrosphere and
atmosphere?
a. Flowing lava c. Falling leaves
b. Boy catching fish d. Evaporating water

5. Which is TRUE about the four spheres of the Earth?

a. They are all connected. c. They all exist inside the Earth.
b. They have no effect with one another d. They don’t affect human life.

6. Which event shows a connection between atmosphere and geosphere?

a. Water cycle c. Volcanic Eruption
b. Nitrogen cycle d. Mountain formation.
7. Which of the following best describes the relationship between earth’s spheres?
a. Earth’s spheres has their own sets of living organisms.
b. The cow produces offspring due to the interaction of four spheres.
c. Together, these spheres support all plant and animal life.
d. Earth’s spheres are independent from one another.
8. Which is TRUE about the Earth’s atmosphere?
a. It holds water and air.
b. It comprises oceans and ozone layer.
c. It is mostly made up of oxygen and nitrogen.
d. It allows volcanic activities.
9. How does interaction happen between geosphere and hydrosphere during volcanic eruption?
a. Volcano spews ashes and gases in the air.
b. Volcanic eruption increases precipitation.
c. Magma reaches the crater.
d. People living nearby evacuates prior volcanic eruption.
10. Which of the following describes the importance of the planet’s sub-systems?
a. They work together to influence climate and trigger geological processes hat supports life.
b. They supply food and water for the consumption of all living creatures.
c. They bring back used minerals to Earth.
d. They work together to protect the living organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
B. DESCRIBE THE FOUR
SUBSYSTEM OF THE
EARTH. (5 POINTS EACH)
 C. CITE 2 EXAMPLES OF
INTERACTIONS OCCUR
BETWEEN EARTH
SUBSYSTEMS. (5 POINTS EACH)