The Earth is a complex, interconnected system comprised of four primary “spheres” that work together to support life. The lithosphere makes up the solid outer shell of the planet, including the crust and the upper mantle, forming our continents and ocean floors. Beneath our feet, the hydrosphere encompasses all the water on Earth, from the vast oceans and flowing rivers to the frozen ice caps and the moisture trapped in the soil. These two systems provide the physical foundation and the essential fluids required for the planet’s chemical processes.
Above the surface, the atmosphere acts as a protective blanket of gases that regulates temperature and shields the Earth from harmful solar radiation. This layer provides the oxygen we breathe and the carbon dioxide plants need for photosynthesis, while also driving the weather patterns that distribute water across the globe. The movement of air within the atmosphere is what connects the distant parts of our world, ensuring that heat and moisture are constantly recirculated to maintain a stable climate.