Major Domains of the Earth

The Earth is divided into several major domains based on physical and geographical characteristics. These domains include the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Let's delve into each domain in detail:

1. Lithosphere:
- The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of the Earth that is composed of the crust and upper part of the mantle.
- It consists of various landforms such as mountains, plateaus, plains, and valleys.
- The lithosphere is rich in minerals and provides a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- It is divided into several tectonic plates that constantly move and interact, leading to geological phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.

2. Hydrosphere:
- The hydrosphere encompasses all the water bodies on Earth, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even water vapor in the atmosphere.
- It covers about 70% of the Earth's surface and is essential for sustaining life.
- The hydrosphere plays a crucial role in the water cycle, which involves the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans.
- It supports a wide range of aquatic ecosystems and is home to numerous species of marine and freshwater organisms.

3. Atmosphere:
- The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.
- It is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and traces of other gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and argon.
- The atmosphere provides oxygen for respiration, protects the Earth from harmful solar radiation, and regulates the planet's temperature through the greenhouse effect.
- It is divided into several layers, including the troposphere (closest to the Earth's surface), stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

4. Biosphere:
- The biosphere refers to all regions on Earth where living organisms exist, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
- It encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, from deserts and forests to coral reefs and grasslands.
- The biosphere is characterized by its immense biodiversity, with millions of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- It supports complex food webs and ecological interactions, ensuring the survival and balance of various life forms.

In conclusion, the major domains of the Earth are the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Each domain plays a vital role in shaping the Earth's physical and biological processes, and their interconnectedness is crucial for sustaining life on our planet.

Hey can you tell why is northern Hemisphere called the land hemisphere