Earth System Science Overview

Key Questions

• How does upland deforestation impact water quality downstream?
• How do melting glaciers in the Arctic affect sea level in Florida?

What are Earth Systems?

• Definition: Complex planet made up of many interacting systems.
• Systems are divided into simpler processes for study.
• Main Spheres:
  • Atmosphere: Air system containing gases, regulating temperature, blocking radiation, and driving climate.
  • Geosphere: Land system including rocks, soil, continents, tectonic plates, and everything below the Earth's surface.
  • Hydrosphere: Water system covering salty and fresh water and its cycle.
  • Biosphere: Life system comprising plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and their interactions.
• Additional systems include human interactions, magnetosphere, and exosphere.

Importance of Earth System Science

• Combines various scientific fields (ecology, biology, geology, etc.) to understand Earth's systems collectively.
• Helps understand Earth's past, present, and future changes.
• Informs policy and actions for planetary health preservation.

Earth System Science in Action: Florida Mangrove Swamp

• Ecosystem Interactions:
  • Mangroves produce oxygen, supporting animal life.
  • Animal waste and decomposition enrich soil nutrients.
  • Mangroves trap sand, facilitating growth.
  • Fresh and saltwater bring additional nutrients and sand.

Human Impact on Earth Systems

• Burning fossil fuels affects atmosphere and biosphere negatively.
• Construction leads to erosion, impacting geosphere and hydrosphere.
• Understanding interactions can lead to positive human impacts.

Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TEZI)

• Established in 2018 to promote Earth systems science communication and education.
• Aims to inspire Floridians to be proactive planet stewards.
• Addresses how Earth system changes affect Florida's environment, economy, and lifestyle.
• TEZI emphasizes the importance of science-based decision-making for natural resource management.

Further Engagement

• TEZI encourages Floridians to engage with Earth systems through their website and social media.