TABLE OF CONTENTS The planet has well-connected natural systems. Carbon dioxide emitted in one country is rapidly mixed throughout the atmosphere; pollutants released into the ocean in one location are transported all over. Local and regional emissions create global environmental problems. There is in effect a 'global commons.' Earth system science involves:
Exploring interactions among the major components of the earth's system. These are:
the biosphere - living organisms and the part of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life
the atmosphere - earth's vital blanket of gases
the geosphere - the solid earth including the continental and oceanic crust as well as the various layers of the earth's interior
the hydro-sphere - earth's circulating water systems
the energy system - the energy that powers all earth's systems.
Distinguishing natural from human-induced causes of change.
Understanding and predicting the consequences of change.
As we learn about how the earth works from our study of biology, geology, hydrology, metrology and so on we have recognized patterns that help us understand how our planet works. Some of the most important patterns are:
networks - how life and planetary systems are connected to each other
cycles - how matter gets used over and over again
flows - how matter and energy move from place to place
balance - how change is regulated.
It is difficult completely to understand let alone quantify the complex flows and balances that go on around the...
