
Biosphere | Definition, Resources, Cycles, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 26, 2025 · The biosphere is a system characterized by the continuous cycling of matter and an accompanying flow of solar energy in which certain large molecules and cells are self-reproducing.
Defining a biosphere | Britannica
The biosphere is a global ecosystem that can be broken down into regional or local ecosystems, or biomes. Organisms in the biosphere are classified into trophic levels (see food chain) and communities.
Biosphere - Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Climate | Britannica
Dec 26, 2025 · The following sections describe how many of the biological and physical parts fit together to make the engine of the biosphere run and why many seemingly obscure species are important to …
Earth | Definition, Size, Composition, Temperature, Mass, & Facts ...
Feb 13, 2026 · The blankets of volatile gases and liquids near and above the surface of Earth are, along with solar energy, of prime importance to the sustenance of life on Earth.
Biosphere Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
Britannica Dictionary definition of BIOSPHERE [singular] : the part of the Earth in which life can exist — usually used with the the effects of pollution on the biosphere
Earth Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
EARTH meaning: 1 : the planet on which we live; 2 : land as opposed to the sea, the air, etc.
Biogeochemical cycle | Definition & Facts | Britannica
5 days ago · Elements within biogeochemical cycles flow in various forms from the nonliving (abiotic) components of the biosphere to the living (biotic) components and back.
Earth sciences | Definition, Topics, & Facts | Britannica
There are six groups of Earth science topics. One includes disciplines examining water and air at or above Earth’s surface, while another studies the makeup of the solid Earth. A third group considers …
Volcano | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Jan 8, 2026 · A volcanic eruption is an awesome display of Earth’s power. Yet, while eruptions are spectacular to watch, they can cause disastrous loss of life and property, especially in densely …
Lithosphere | Definition & Facts | Britannica
Jan 9, 2026 · Lithosphere, rigid, rocky outer layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and the solid outermost layer of the upper mantle. It extends to a depth of about 60 miles (100 km).