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Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

Understanding Global Change

Discover why the climate and environment changes, your place in the Earth system, and paths to a resilient future.

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  • What is Global Change?
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    • Understanding Global Change 101
    • Understanding Global Change Infographic
    • How the Earth System Works
      • Atmosphere
      • Biosphere
      • Elemental Cycles
      • Geosphere
      • Global Energy Budget
      • Hydrosphere
    • Causes of Global Change
      • Human causes
      • Non-human causes
    • Measurable Changes
      • Atmosphere
      • Biosphere
      • Geosphere
      • Hydrosphere
      • Quality of human life
      • Weather / extreme events
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  • Teaching Resources
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    • Planning for Instruction
    • Example Units and Lessons
    • Downloadable Graphics
      • Infographic
      • Icon Sets
      • Earth Scene
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  • Construct a Model
Home → What is Global Change → How the Earth System Works

How the Earth System Works

The Earth is a system of connected processes that shape our world and how it changes through time. Click the icons below to learn more about How the Earth System Works. Each page contains example Earth system models constructed using the UGC icons and Earth Scene.

Sort the icons by categories in the UGC Infographic by clicking the buttons in the row below.

  • All
  • Atmosphere
  • Biosphere
  • Elemental Cycles
  • Geosphere
  • Global Energy Budget
  • Hydrosphere

Absorption / reflection of sunlight

Atmospheric circulation

Carbon cycle

Earth’s internal heat

Evolution

Greenhouse effect

Nitrogen

Ocean circulation

Phosphorus

Photosynthesis clickable icon

Photosynthesis

Plate Tectonics

Re-radiation of heat

Clickable icon for the respiration process

Respiration

Rock cycle

Water Cycle

Species Interaction clickable icon

Species interactions

Weathering

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