11

EARTH SCIENCE
QUARTER 1 – MODULE 2

Earth Subsystems

1
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Earth Science Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Earth Subsystems.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You
also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their
own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module.

2
For the learner:

Welcome to the Earth and Life Science Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on
Earth Subsystems.

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner is
capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills
at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

3
 What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will
help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

4
 What I Need to Know

For ages, planet Earth has mystified man. The planet includes all the physical
and living elements on its surface and beneath. All these elements are connected to
each other and form a complex whole. They intermingle with each other within a
defined boundary.

Earth is characterized by its blue waters, rocky brown and green land masses
with white clouds set against a black background. It is the third planet from the Sun
and a few hundred kilometers larger than planet Venus in terms of diameter. Also, it is
the fifth largest planet in the solar system. It is the only known planet that can
support life. Air, water, land, and life are four major systems on Earth. Good luck
and I hope you will learn a lot from this module and eventually pursue science courses
in the future.

From the previous module, you were able to identify and differentiate the
planets by the characteristics they exhibited. In this module, we will focus our
attention on the details of our home planet- Earth. It encompasses diverse
components that interact in a composite manner.

The module covers :

 Lesson 1 – Earth and Earth Systems

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain that the Earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries
matter and energy flow

5
 What I Know

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. It makes up the solid portion of the Earth, its structure and the land.
A. atmosphere C. hydrosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
2. It is the outermost layer of the Earth; it has a thin layer composed of solid rocks
and minerals.
A. crust C. inner core
B. mantle D. outer core
3. It is composed by all the waters on or near the Earth’s surface.
A. atmosphere C. hydrosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
4. It refers to the blanket of air that surrounds the planet.
A. atmosphere C. hydrosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
5. Which of the following represents biosphere?
A. grass C. ocean
B. rock D. wind
6. Choose the most appropriate description of the hydrosphere.
A. The mixture of gases that surrounds the earth.
B. The waters on earth including subsurface.
C. Only surface water on earth.
D. Only atmospheric water.
7. All living organisms of the Earth, including those on land, water, and air, are
considered part of which subsystem?
A. atmosphere C. hydrosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
8. Where is the mantle found?
A. Beneath the tectonic plates C.The innermost part of the Earth
B. Between the crust and the core D.The outermost part of the Earth
9. Which of the Earth’s spheres contains mountains, valleys, and other
landscapes?
A. atmosphere C. hydrosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
10. A large part of Earth’s fresh water is:
A. in the ocean C. frozen
B. in the mountain D. in the biosphere

6
 Lesson
Earth and Earth Systems
1
What’s In

Also known as the “backbone of Luzon,” Sierra Madre is the longest mountain
range in the Philippines. It covers the northeast coast of Luzon island, serving as
natural shield against typhoons coming from the Pacific Ocean. It serves as home to
several wildlife specifies endemic to Philippines. The range also comprises numerous
watersheds that serve the adjacent agricultural lands in Central Luzon and Cagayan
Valley. Furthermore it supports major infrastructure, including irrigation dams, water
utility and power plants, that are serving urban settlements, including Metro Manila.

Figure 1. Sierra Madre Mountain

Image credit: Retrieved from http://www.forestfoundation.ph/sierra-madre/

7
 What’s New

Activity 1. Picture Analysis!

Based on the given picture, enumerate objects that could be classified as a
component of geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, or biosphere.

https://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/basic-page/earth-system-matter-and-energy-cycles

Geosphere Hydrosphere

Atmosphere Biosphere

8
 What is It

EARTH SUBSYSTEM
A system is a collection of interdependent parts enclosed within a defined
boundary. Within the boundary of the Earth is a collection of four interdependent
parts called “spheres”. Everything in Earth's system can be placed into one of four
major subsystems: land, water, living things, or air. Specifically, they are the
"lithosphere/geosphere" (land), "hydrosphere" (water), "biosphere" (living things), and
"atmosphere" (air).

GEOSPHERE/ LITHOSPHERE
Lithosphere makes up the solid portion of the Earth, its structure and the land.
It also comprises the layers of the Earth.

https://slideplayer.com/slide/5897792/19/images/1/Layers+of+the+Earth+Crust+Mantle+Outer+Core+Inner+Core.jpg

Layers of the Earth

Crust is the outermost layer of the Earth. It has a thin layer composed of solid
rocks and minerals with temperature of 22°C. It is divided into two: continental crust,
the crust under which the continents are built, is 10-70 km thick, while oceanic crust,
or the crust under the oceans, is only 5-7 km thick. Mantle is the largest layer,
composed of rocky oxides and silicates under high pressure. The mantle is huge,
going down to a depth of 2,500 km. It where asthenosphere is located. It is the zone of
Earth’s mantle lying beneath the lithosphere and believed to be much hotter and more
fluid than the lithosphere.

9
 Outer core is a liquid that flows in circles. The inner core, on the other hand,
is the solid part that is believed to contain at least 90% iron. The outer core goes from
a depth of 2,550 km down to 4,750 km, and the inner core continues to the center of
the Earth at a total depth of 6,470 km. The liquid flow of the outer core is responsible
for creating the Earth's magnetic field.
On Earth, flowing of liquid metal in the outer core of the planet generates
electric currents. The rotation of Earth on its axis causes these electric currents to
form a magnetic field which extends around the planet.

HYDROSPHERE

A hydrosphere is the total amount of water on a planet. The hydrosphere

includes water that is on the surface of the planet, underground, and in the air. A
planet's hydrosphere can be liquid, vapor, or ice. On Earth, liquid water exists on the
surface in the form of oceans, lakes and rivers. The frozen part is called the cryosphere.
Mostly 97% is in the form of ocean and the rest is fresh water. Three quarters of this
fresh water is solid and exists in the ice sheets.
Any water storage area on the Earth that holds liquid water is considered to be
a part of the hydrosphere. Because of this, there is an extensive list of formations that
make up the hydrosphere.
These include:
 Oceans: Most of the water on the planet Earth is salt water, and the vast majority
of this salt water is held in the oceans.
 Fresh water: Fresh water is much less abundant than salt water, and is held in a
variety of different places.
Surface water: Surface sources of freshwater include lakes, rivers, and streams.
Ground water: Fresh water held beneath ground makes up a small portion of
the fresh water on Earth.
Glacial water: Water that melts off of glaciers.
 Atmospheric water vapour
The motion of the hydrosphere and the exchange of water between the
hydrosphere and cryosphere is the basis of the hydrologic cycle. The continuous
movement and exchange of water helps to form currents that move warm water from
the tropics to the poles and help regulate the temperature of the Earth. The
exchanging of water is thus a vital part of the hydrosphere.
The properties and motion of the hydrosphere are important in maintaining the
diverse climates that exist worldwide. The ocean - which holds 97% of the water on
Earth - is especially important to the climate system. The ocean itself serves as a
reservoir which contributes to how much solar radiation is absorbed. Since the ocean
is so vast, it absorbs a large amount of energy from the Sun. As well, the ocean is

1
important to the climate system as it limits how fast the climate can change.
Additionally, the ocean serves to redistribute energy and heat around the globe,
contributing to the different average temperatures that exist over the globe.

ATMOSPHERE
Atmosphere is the blanket of air that surrounds the planet. It contains essential
gas necessary to sustain life. It also protects us from harmful radiation, drives ocean
and spreads heat which regulates the climate.

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/0d/c4/59/0dc4593b9431eff7cc707b35b7a146a6--science-chemistry-earth-science.jpg

Layers of the Atmosphere

Troposphere is the layer nearest to the earth’s surface. It extends from the
surface up to 8 to 14.5 km high. It is also the densest layer since it contains about
75% of atmospheric gases. As altitude increases, temperature drops significantly. The
upper boundary of the troposphere is the tropopause. Clouds of all types, storms, and
all types of weather phenomena characterize this layer. Stratosphere is the layer
immediately above the troposphere. It extends about 50km high. As compared to
troposphere, this layer is less dense and relatively dry. Strong steady winds, absence

1
of clouds and vapors, and warm temperature characterize this layer. Temperature is
higher than troposphere The ozone layer (O3) which absorbs ultraviolet radiation and
transform it into heat, is found in this layer. The upper boundary of the stratosphere
is the stratopause.
Mesosphere is the layer starts just above the stratosphere and extends to a
height of about 85 km. The temperature drops significantly in this layer as low as -93
degree Celsius as the altitude increases. It is the coldest layer of atmosphere. Here in
the mesosphere, the atmosphere is very rarefied nevertheless thick enough to slow
down meteors hurtling into the atmosphere, where they burn up, leaving fiery trails in
the night sky.
Thermosphere starts just above the mesosphere and extends about 600 km
high. The temperature is hot and may be as high as thousands of degrees as the few
molecules that are present in the thermosphere receive extraordinary large amounts of
energy from the Sun. High-energy X-rays and UV radiation from the Sun are absorbed
in the thermosphere, raising its temperature to hundreds or at times thousands of
degrees. However, the air in this layer is so thin that it would feel freezing cold to us!
In many ways, the thermosphere is more like outer space than a part of the
atmosphere. Many satellites actually orbit Earth within the thermosphere! The aurora,
the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, occur in the thermosphere.
The ionosphere is not a distinct layer like the others mentioned above. Instead,
it is a series of regions in parts of the mesosphere and thermosphere where high-
energy radiation from the Sun has knocked electrons loose from their parent atoms
and molecules. The electrically charged atoms and molecules that are formed in this
way are called ions, giving the ionosphere its name and endowing this region with
some special properties.
Although some experts consider the thermosphere to be the uppermost layer of
our atmosphere, others consider the exosphere to be the actual "final frontier" of
Earth's gaseous envelope. Air in the exosphere is very, very, very thin, making this
layer even more space-like than the thermosphere.

1
BIOSPHERE
Biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their
relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere,
hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It is called as the zone of life as it is the part of the
Earth where life exists.

The main components of the earth system are interconnected by flows (also
known as pathways or fluxes) of energy and materials. The most important flows in
the earth system are those concerned with the transfer of energy and the cycling of
key materials in biogeochemical cycles. The earth is a vast, complex system powered
by two sources of energy: an internal source (the decay of radioactive elements in the
geosphere, which generates geothermal heat) and an external source (the solar
radiation received from the Sun); the vast majority of the energy in the earth system
comes from the Sun. Whilst some variations in these two sources occur, their energy
supplies are relatively constant and they power all of the planet's environmental
systems. Indeed, energy both drives and flows through environmental systems.

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/ESS/ESSmain.html
https://byjus.com/physics/four-spheres-of-earth/

1
 What’s More

Activity 2. Let’s Test Your Knowledge!

Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue.

Across
1. the aurora, the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, occur in this layer
4. series of regions in parts of the mesosphere and thermosphere where high-energy
radiation from the Sun has knocked electrons loose from their parent atoms and
molecules
6. most abundant gas in the atmosphere
10. phenomenon in which the atmosphere of a planet traps radiation emitted by its
sun, caused by gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane that allow
incoming sunlight to pass through but retain heat radiated back from the planet's
surface
12. the cold layer of atmosphere
13. envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet

1
Down
2. strong steady winds, absence of clouds and vapors, and warm temperature
characterize this layer
3. introduction of harmful substances including particulates and biological molecules
into Earth's atmosphere
5. mainly responsible for man-made chemical ozone depletion
7. absorbs ultraviolet radiation and transform it into heat
8. term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's
atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the
Earth's climate
9. layer nearest to the earth’s surface
11. air in this layer is very, very, very thin, making this layer even more space-like
than the thermosphere.

Encircle the word within the parenthesis ( ) that best completes each statement.

Some characteristics of 1.(Earth, Venus) that allow it to sustain life is the

oxygen 2.(rich, poor) atmosphere and 3.(polar ice cap, liquid water, water vapor)
that is located on the surface of the earth. Both oxygen and water are the 4.(keys, not
necessary) to life as we know it. Oxygen is used by 5.(animals, plants) during
aerobic 6.(respiration, fermentation). Oxygen is 7.(essential, not needed) for
animals to adhere to their basic needs. Surface 8.(water, ocean) is also a basic need
for all living things. Water keeps all living things 9.(hydrated, dry) as well as help
control the 10.(climate, weather) which affect each organism’s survival. Earth is
surrounded by a 11.(thin, thick) atmosphere that contains nitrogen, oxygen, and
other 12.(trace, tiny) gases. This atmosphere provides the 13.(air, fumes) that we
breathe. It also helps to 14.(regulate, estimate) the temperature so that we do not
experience extreme 15.(hot or cold, good or bad). Earth’s atmosphere also contains
a layer of 16.(ozone, helium) a molecule consisting of three oxygen 17.(atoms,
molecules) which provides protection from harmful solar 18.(radiation, eclipse).
Finally, three quarters of Earth's surface is covered by 19.(water, oxygen) a
necessary ingredient

1
 What I Have Learned

Activity 3. The Interacting Earth Systems!

Scientists break down Earth’s major systems into four; the geosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. These systems interact in multiple ways to
affect Earth’s surface materials and processes. In this activity, choose the systems
that are working together to create the following phenomenon.

1. A mountain range blocks rainfall from

reaching an area (rain shadow), making it dry, desert biome.

2. The ocean supports many ecosystems from coral reefs to tide pools.

3. A sudden rainstorm in the desert can cause flooding and severe erosion of
landscape.

4. Volcanic vents in the ocean create habitats for creatures that live in or near intense
heat.

5. The troposhere is where evaporating water from the ocean forms clouds and
precipitation.

6. Wave action from the strong winds causes coastline to erode.

7. Winds sweep across the deserts raising giant sandstorms that change the landscape.

8. An oil spill of a factory causes water pollution.

9. Gaseous pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2) may have been produced during
the burning activities by human.

10. Increased erosion of loose soil may have led to increased sediments in
streamwater, making the water "muddier."

1
 What I Can Do

Activity 4. Terrific Terrarium: Earth System in a Bottle!

Introduction
A terrarium is a miniature garden grown inside a covered glass or plastic
container.
Materials
• an enclosed container • small indoor or tropical plants
• pea gravel or small rocks • charcoal (optional)
• potting soil
Procedure:
1. Cover the bottom of the container with ½ inch (for small containers) to 1-1/2 inch
(for large containers) of pea gravel for drainage. Charcoal could also be added.
2. Next fill the container to approximately one-third to one-half full with moist potting
mix. The amount of soil you put in will depend on the size of the container (you need
to have enough room for plant roots). You should use a sterilized potting soil mix to
avoid problems with molds and fungi (small bags of potting soil are available at most
garden centers).
3. Next add your plants. You need to look for plants that are small, slow-growing, and
perform well in humid environments. How you arrange the plants will depend on the
size and location of the terrarium.Plants should fill the container but not crowd it.
4. Sprinkle soil lightly with water.
5. Cover the container, but place the lid so there is a small opening for air to get in.
6. Place the container in bright light but not in direct sun.
7. Water the terrarium only if the soil seems dry. Usually only a few teaspoonsful of
water once a month are needed.
8. If the sides of the container become foggy, remove the lid until they clear.
9. Remove dead leaves and overgrown plants.
10. Rotate the terrarium occasionally to give a balanced form to the plants.
Sample set up

1
Guide Questions:
1. How is terrarium similar to Earth system?

2. What is the purpose of putting pea gravel or small rocks?

3. Why is monitoring moisture level important in the terrarium?

Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. The Earth is composed of a complex set of cycles, parts and processes that all
work together as a
A. unit C. planet
B. factory D. system
2. A biogeochemical cycle or a volcano eruption are known as
A. catastrophes C. hazards
B. events D. situations
3. It is the zone of Earth’s mantle lying beneath the lithosphere and believed to be
much hotter and more fluid than the lithosphere
A. asthenosphere C. cryhosphere
B. biosphere D. lithosphere
4. Which of the following describe a habitable Earth?
A. It has a weak magnetic field.
B. There is an absence of oxygen.
C. The distance from the Sun is just right.
D. It is characterized predominantly by very cold temperature.

1
5. Why is the ozone layer important in sustaining life on Earth?
A. It is where Earth satellites orbit and auroras show.
B. It influences hydro-meteorological phenomenon such as storms.
C. It shields the Earth the Sun's ultraviolet radiation and keeps the planet
warm.
D. It is where celestial objects get burned and disintegrated upon entering
Earth.
6. Which of the following is the reason for the importance of Earth’s subsystems?
A. The subsystem influence Earth’s encounter with space objects.
B. The subsystems contribute scarcely in flow of matter and energy.
C. The subsystems solely determine the survival of different organisms.
D. The subsystems influence the climate, geological processes, and life on
Earth.
7. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons why the hydrosphere is
important?
A. It sustains various life forms.
B. It helps in regulating the atmosphere.
C. It plays an important role in ecosystems.
D. It plays a major role in the movement of tectonic plates.
8. This layer of atmosphere is less dense and relatively dry. Strong steady winds,
absence of clouds and vapors, and warm temperature characterized this layer;
it also contains the ozone layer.
A. mesosphere C. thermosphere
B. stratosphere D. troposphere
9. When carbon dioxide dissolves from the air into the ocean -the interaction is
between:
A. atmosphere and hydrosphere
B. only atmosphere
C. atmosphere and biosphere
D. atmosphere and geosphere
10. When nitrogen is returned to the soil when dead plants decompose - the
interaction is between
A. atmosphere and geosphere
B. biosphere and atmosphere
C. geosphere and biosphere
D. atmosphere and geosphere

1
II. Label the following diagram. Select from the choices below.
Inner CoreOuter Core Mantle Lehman Discontinuity
Crust
Exosphere
Mohorovicic Discontinuity Thermosphere
AsthenosphereGutenberg Discontinuity Stratosphere Mesosphere
Ozone layerIonosphere Troposphere

2
 Additional
Activities
Picture Perfect!
Below is a photo of Dipalo River located in San Quintin, Pangasinan. Study the
river in the photograph. Suggest 5 interactions that are occurring between the
lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere in this landscape.

https://outoftownblog.com/dipalo-river-upcoming-tourist-attraction-in-san-quintin-pangasinan/

2
 Answer Key

What I Know
1. D
2. A 3. C 5. A 7. B 9. D
4. A 6. B 8. B 10. C

Activity 1. Picture Analysis!

Answers may vary.

Activity 2. Let’s Test Your Knowledge!

Across Down
1. thermosphere 2. troposphere
4. ionosphere 3. air pollution
6. nitrogen 5. chlorofluorocarbon
10. greenhouse effect 7. ozone layer
12. mesosphere 8. global warming
13. atmosphere 9. troposphere
11. exosphere

1. Earth 6. respiration 11. thin 16. ozone

2. rich 7. essential 12. trace 17. atoms
3. liquid water 8. water 13. air 18. radiation
4. keys 9. hydrated 14. regulate 19. water
5. animals 10. climate 15. hot or cold

Activity 3. The Interacting Earth Systems!

1. hydrosphere and geosphere 6. atmosphere and geopsphere
2. hydrosphere and biosphere 7. atmosphere and geopsphere
3. hydrosphere and geosphere 8. hydrosphere and biosphere
4. geosphere and biosphere 9. atmosphere and biosphere
5. atmosphere and hydrosphere 10. hydrosphere and geosphere

Activity 4. Composting is Amazing!

Answer may vary. Following are suggested answers.
1. A terrarium is a simple example of a —an organized group of parts that work
together to form a whole.Both a terrarium and Earth are closed systems. They are
closed because matter, such as soil or water, cannot enter or leave. However, energy
2
can flow into or out of the system. Just as light and heat pass through the glass of the

2
terrarium, sunlight and heat enter and leave the Earth system through the
atmosphere.
2. The gravel layer serves as a water drainage system in your terrarium bottle. It
drains away any excess water in your terrarium soil layer. Too much water and there
is a risk that the roots of your terrarium plant might rot.
3. Every terrarium needs to have proper moisture in order to keep plant life healthy
and productive, as well as preventing harmful bacteria (root rot).

Assessment
1. D
2. B 3. A 5. C 7. D 9. A
4. C 6. D 8. B 10. C

1. crust 9. ionosphere
2. Mohorovicic discontinuity 10. ozone layer
3. asthenosphere 11. exosphere
4. mantle 12. thermosphere
5. Gutenberg discontinuity 13. mesosphere
6. outer core 14. stratosphere
7. Lehman discontinuity 15. troposhere
8. inner core

Additional Activities
Answer may vary. Following are suggested answers.
• wave action carries sand that polishes rocks on the river.
• water evaporates from the river into atmosphere.
• water vapour condenses to form clouds.
• clouds produce rain.
• rainwater needed for plant growth.
• plant roots stabilize the soil.
• vegetation takes up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen.
• vegetation adds nutrients to the soil.
• the river is a habitat for microscopic life, plants, fish, birds and mammals.
• wind generates waves.
• wind may blow away soil in exposed locations.
• wave action adds oxygen to water, needed by aquatic plants and animals.

2
References
Bayo-ang, Roly.B., Maria Lourdes G. Coronacion, Annamae T. Jorda, and Anna
Jamille Restubog. Earth and Life Science for Senior High School. Quezon City,
Metro Manila: Educational Resources Corporation., 2016.
Bureau of Secondary Education. (n.d.) Project EASE (Effective and Alternative
Secondary Education), Intergrated Science I. [PDF]
De Silva, et al (2016). Earth Science [PDF]. Commission on Higher Education, Diliman,
Quezon City
Miller, G.Tyler, et al. (2014). Earth Science. Philippine Edition. Ortigas Avenue, Pasig
City. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd (Philippine Branch)
https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Hydrosphere