Earth's Outer Layers

Earth's Outer Layers

Earth comprises four major layers, or "spheres," that work together to support life. These layers include:

• Atmosphere – The layer of gases surrounding Earth, which provides oxygen, regulates weather, and shields life from harmful solar radiation.
• Hydrosphere – All of Earth’s water, i...

Earth is made up of systems. The four major systems are the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, which contain all the air, water, living things, and land.

The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases, mainly nitrogen, and oxygen, that surrounds our planet.

Next is the hydrosphere, which includes all the water on Earth—f...