Human Impacts on Earth's Systems — Revision notes

Atmosphere

The layer of gases that wraps around our entire planet, providing oxygen and protecting us from space

Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, groundwater, and water vapour

Geosphere

The solid parts of Earth, including the crust, mantle, core, rocks, soil, mountains, and landforms

Biosphere

Every living thing on the planet, including plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and their ecosystems

Industrialisation

The turning point starting around the mid-1700s where factories and mass production grew, driven by fossil fuels

Aquifers

Underground water sources that can be affected by over-extraction

Desertification

When land gradually turns into a desert because it becomes too hot and dry to support plants

Biodiversity

The variety of life within the biosphere, which is reduced by habitat destruction

What this lesson covers

How well do you know each one? Be honest: red means go back over it.

• Name Earth's four physical systems and describe what each one includesNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain how the four spheres are connected to one anotherNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain how population growth puts pressure on Earth's systemsNot yetSort ofGot it
• Describe how industrialisation has affected the atmosphereNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain what desertification and soil erosion are and what causes themNot yetSort ofGot it
• Explain how habitat destruction leads to biodiversity lossNot yetSort ofGot it

Test yourself

Cover the answer, say it out loud, then check the full quiz on the lesson page.

• Which sphere includes all the water on Earth?
• Which human activity has most directly increased greenhouse gas emissions?
• Which sphere is most directly affected by habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity?

Topic quiz

12 questions on this topic only — not mixed with anything else, one at a time.

Spelling challenge

Read the definition, then type the correct spelling of the term. Uses the same terms as above.