All the spheres in the system interconnect and overlap. No sphere works on its own.

Consider this diagram below.

• Think of the many ways that the hydrosphere and the atmosphere connect. Evaporation from the hydrosphere provides the medium for cloud and rain formation in the atmosphere. The atmosphere brings back rainwater to the hydrosphere.
• In what way do the geosphere and hydrosphere connect? Water provides the moisture and medium for weathering and erosion of rocks in the geosphere. The geosphere, in turn, provides the platform for ice melts and water bodies to flow back into the oceans.
• The atmosphere provides the geosphere with heat and energy needed for rock breakdown and erosion. The geosphere, in turn, reflects the sun’s energy back into the atmosphere.
• The biosphere receives gases, heat, and sunlight (energy) from the atmosphere. It receives water from the hydrosphere and a living medium from the geosphere.

Think of the many ways in which each sphere interacts with the other and discuss it with your class.