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Environmental science is crucial for understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and promoting sustainable practices like conservation and pollution control. It encompasses the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, each playing vital roles in supporting life and ecological balance. The study of these components aids in addressing global environmental issues and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and resource management.

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4 views

Mod 1

Environmental science is crucial for understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and promoting sustainable practices like conservation and pollution control. It encompasses the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, each playing vital roles in supporting life and ecological balance. The study of these components aids in addressing global environmental issues and emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and resource management.

Uploaded by

b3siaj
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Importance of Environmental Science


 Environmental studies help understand various environmental factors.

 They show how development and daily activities impact the environment and how we are affected by

environmental changes.

 They promote creating a pollution-free environment through prevention and control methods.

 They guide efficient use of natural resources through conservation and recycling strategies.

 They emphasize the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

 Environmental studies help understand food chains, food webs, and ecological balance.

 They guide industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies and pollution control systems.

 They help solve global environmental issues like climate change, ozone depletion, and desertification

using interdisciplinary approaches.


Basic Components of Environment

 Atmosphere

 Lithosphere

 Hydrosphere

 Biosphere.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. It plays a crucial role in supporting life and
protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. The atmosphere consists of several layers, each with
distinct characteristics.

Components of Atmosphere
 Nitrogen (N₂):  Water Vapor (H₂₂O)
Makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.
Essential for the growth of plants and a crucial component of proteins.
 Oxygen (O₂):
Comprises approximately 21% of the atmosphere.
Vital for the respiration of most living organisms.
 Argon (Ar):
Contributes around 0.93% of the atmosphere.
It is an inert gas, meaning it doesn't readily react with other elements.
 Carbon Dioxide (CO₂₂):
Represents a small fraction, around 0.04%.
Essential for photosynthesis in plants, human activities contribute to increased CO2 levels.
 Neon (Ne), Helium (He), Methane (CH₄), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe):
Present in trace amounts.
Some are used in various industrial applications.
Atmosphere

Functions of the Atmosphere

1.Protection from solar radiation


2.Greenhouse Effect
3.Oxygen for respiration
4.Weather and Climate Regulation
5.Absorption of harmful radiation
Biosphere

Biosphere: The biosphere is the zone on Earth where life exists. It includes all living organisms and their
interactions with each other and the environment. It extends from the deepest ocean floor to the highest
mountains and includes the Earth's surface.

Components of the Biosphere:


1. Flora (Plants)
2. Fauna (Animals)
3. Microorganisms
4. Human Beings
5. Abiotic Factors
Biosphere
Functions of the Biosphere:

 Biodiversity Support
 The biosphere harbors a vast array of species, contributing to biodiversity.
 Biodiversity ensures resilience and adaptability to environmental changes.
 Ecological Balance
 Interactions among organisms maintain ecological balance.
 Predators control prey populations, preventing overpopulation and ecosystem imbalances.
 Nutrient Cycling
 Microorganisms break down organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil.
 This nutrient cycling supports plant growth and sustains life in the biosphere.
 Oxygen Production
 Plants, through photosynthesis, produce oxygen, which is essential for the respiration of animals and
humans.
 Climate Regulation
 The biosphere helps regulate climate by influencing factors like carbon dioxide levels and heat
absorption.
Hydrosphere
Hydrosphere: The hydrosphere refers to all the water on Earth, including water in oceans,
rivers, lakes, underground aquifers, and even water vapor in the atmosphere.

Components of the Hydrosphere


1. Oceans
2. Rivers and Lakes
3. Groundwater
4. Ice
5. Atmospheric Water
Hydrosphere
Functions of the Hydrosphere

1.Water Cycle
2.Climate Regulation
3.Habitat for Aquatic Life
4.Transportation and Trade
5.Recreation and Tourism
lithosphere
Lithosphere: The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of
the earth that includes the earth's crust and the uppermost
part of the mantle. It encompasses the solid, rocky
features of the Earth's surface.

Components of the Lithosphere

1. Earth's Crust
2. Mantle
3. Soil
4. Rocks
5. Landforms
lithosphere

Functions of the Lithosphere

1. Support for Life:


2. Geological Processes:
3. Mineral Resources:.
4. Land Use and Development:
5. Water Storage:

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