Which of Earth’s Spheres Make Up the Climate System?
The climate system is made up of five distinct spheres: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the biosphere, and the lithosphere. Each sphere contains different elements that interact with each other to create the Earth’s climate.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth’s climate system and is composed of a mixture of gases that trap the sun’s heat and help regulate the planet’s temperature. It also holds moisture in the form of clouds and precipitation. Weather is a result of the interaction between the atmosphere, land, and ocean.
The Hydrosphere
The hydrosphere is comprised of all of the Earth’s water, including the oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. It helps regulate global temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat, and it is also a major source of precipitation.
The Cryosphere
The cryosphere is made up of frozen water in the form of glaciers, ice caps, and snow. It helps regulate the Earth’s climate by reflecting the sun’s heat back into space and by releasing cold air.
The Biosphere
The biosphere is the layer of living things on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It plays an important role in the climate system by absorbing and releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and by influencing the Earth’s albedo (the amount of sunlight reflected back into space).
The Lithosphere
The lithosphere is the solid, outermost layer of the Earth, made up of rocks and soil. It helps regulate the climate by absorbing and releasing heat and by influencing ocean and wind currents.
The five spheres of the Earth’s climate system are interconnected and interact with each other in complex ways. Understanding how these spheres interact with each other is essential for predicting and managing climate change.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.