Earth's Spheres

An Environmental Balance Section 4, Ch. 2

The Atmosphere and Air Pollution

Smog

The Lithosphere Soil is the upper layer of earth where things grow. If people don’t carefully manage it, soil can be carried away - erosion.

Erosion • Soil can be carried away by wind and water, especially on hillsides.

Terracing Vineyard in Cinque Terre, Italy

Deforestation

Deforestation

Crop Rotation Growing one type of crop for too long takes away soil nutrients, so plants become smaller and less healthy over time. Crop rotation adds nutrients to the soil and helps to prevent common plant pests.

The Hydrosphere • Conservation - careful use of resources so they aren’t wasted.

Irrigation • 70% of all water used is for farming! Drip irrigation - allows water to slowly drip into the soil. Why is this important?

Pesticides • Powerful chemicals that kill insects. How can this harm the water supply?

The Biosphere • Ecosystem - place where plants and animals are dependent upon one another and their surroundings for survival.

What is biodiversity?

Wetlands