We have likely heard of the term Biosphere, but have we ever taken the time to think about what is it? Probably not, but we should have because the biosphere is one of the most important characteristics of our earth that allows us to live. It enables everything around us to function. So what is the biosphere? I have taken the time to analyze some sources and gathered some information to teach everyone about our earth's biosphere. Reports from Pearson Canada School provided much of the information shared in this piece.

What is the biosphere?

The earth's biosphere is a Thin Layer of the earth that has conditions suitable to sustain life.

This is the part of the earth we live in, and other organisms live in as well. It is the part of the earth that features a physical environment that can maintain one's life. In other words, the biosphere is home to all living things. It is composed of three other smaller layers, known as the spheres of the earth. These are the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

The atmosphere

The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases that are located around 300 kilometers from the surface of the earth. It is mainly composed of nitrogen, but also contains oxygen and other gases. In simplicity, the atmosphere is the gas within the biosphere, including pollen, soot, and other things. It is important because it dramatically affects climate and weather, amplifies sun radiation, and is essential to our ecosystems functions.

The hydrosphere

The hydrosphere is all the water on earth. About 97 percent of the hydrosphere is composed of salt water, and the other three percent is composed of freshwater. Many organisms in our ecosystem deeply depend on the hydrosphere, some even live in it. For example, we humans depend on water to survive, so, therefore, depend on the hydrosphere.

Also, the hydrosphere affects climate and weather, and reflects solar radiation, amplifying and creating heat.

The lithosphere

The lithosphere is the solid portion of the earth's biosphere. It is the layer of the biosphere closest to the earth's crust, and floats on the earth's liquid mantle. The lithosphere is the home of many organisms, including insect, plants, and humans.

The depth of the lithosphere can range from 5 km to 100 km, and is warmed by the sun's radiation.

Hopefully this guide helps you understand what the earth biosphere is. It consists of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. The atmosphere is the not solid or liquid part of the earth, the hydrosphere is the water part, and the lithosphere is the solid part. Remember that life on earth depends on the biosphere, and should be preserved by reducing pollution and maintaining the environment.
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