Biosphere:
Biosphere is the part of earth where life exists includes ground, water and atmosphere. It encompasses where all ecosystems, where living organisms interact with each other and with their physical environment. The biosphere is defined as the region on, above, and below the Earth’s surface where life exits. The biosphere is a narrow zone on the surface of the earth where soil, water and air combine to sustain life. Life can only occur in this zone.
The biosphere provides the ecosystem that is needed for survival. Adaption to the biosphere’s climate is expected for living organisms. The biosphere is the world’s ecological system as a whole. It encompasses all forms of life on Earth as well as all habitats capable of sustaining life. There are many biomes that makeup the biosphere. These areas have unique climates, vegetation, wildlife, and adaptations that must be met in order to live.
Photosynthesis is the main source of energy for ecosystem processes. Processes in the biosphere are intertwined with those in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. Via the balance of photosynthesis and respiration, biological processes play a significant role in controlling atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Energy enters the ecosystem from the sun and exists after the organisms have taken as much as they need. Organisms release energy back into the biosphere as heat. Energy also enters the ecosystem from the interior of the Earth. It is usually in the form of heat, not the electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
Energy resources in Biosphere:
We use different energy resources to do work. Energy sources are mainly classified into two groups:
- Renewable Resources
- Nonrenewable Resources
Renewable Resources:
Renewable energy is Energy which is generated from natural sources i.e. sun, wind, rain, tides and can be generated again and again as and when required. They are available in plenty and by far the cleanest sources of energy available on this planet. The resources which cannot be exhausted even after continuous utilization are termed as renewable resources.
For Example: sun, wind and tidal energy etc.
- Renewable resources have low carbon emissions; therefore, they are considered green and environment friendly.
- Renewable helps in stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.
- Renewable resources can cost less than consuming the local electrical supply.
- The sun, wind, geothermal and ocean energy are available in abundance and are free to use.
Nonrenewable Resources:
Nonrenewable energy is the energy taken from the sources that are available on the earth in limited quantity and will vanish in near future. Nonrenewable resources are not environmental friendly and can have serious effects on our health. They are called nonrenewable resources because they cannot be regenerated within a short span of time. Non-renewable resources exist in the form of fossil fuels, natural gas, oil and coal.
- Nonrenewable resources are cheaper and easy to use.
- Small amount of nuclear materials can produce large amount of power.
Production of non-renewable energy is easy and no sophisticated technology is required