Summary of Earth System Science

Earth System Science is an introductory textbook about the workings of the Earth system, written for undergraduate students. It explores how the Earth’s four major components—the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere—interact and affect one another. It describes the structure and composition of Earth’s atmosphere, from the troposphere to the stratosphere and mesosphere. It also covers the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, the mechanisms of climate change, and the effects of human activities on the environment. The book also covers the Earth’s hydrosphere and lithosphere, including their composition and structure, the hydrological cycle, and the interactions between land, water, and organisms. Finally, it examines global environmental change, its causes and effects, and the implications for society.