Inside guide: Earth's four spheres

Earth's lithosphere is the rigid, outer part of the planet, including the crust and upper mantle. Readers of this informative guide will learn about the types of rock, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary, that make up the lithosphere-and how they come together to form the rock cycle. They'll also see how the movement of tectonic plates inside Earth creates landforms and natural events. Helping to fulfill standards in the earth science curriculum, this book features vibrant photographs and in-depth sidebars.

Water is one of the more essential components needed to sustain life on Earth. All water on the planet in all its states-frozen, liquid, and gaseous-make up the hydrosphere. Readers of this captivating volume will learn that liquid water not only exists on the surface of the Earth but also in reservoirs underground. They'll also learn that frozen water exists as glaciers, ice caps, and icebergs, making up a special subcategory of the hydrosphere called the cryosphere, and that water can even be found in the atmosphere in the form of water vapor. Key STEM concepts are reinforced with eye-catching graphic elements and accessible text.

The biosphere is the part of Earth where life exists or can exist. It includes all living things on Earth, as well as the nonliving systems that help them survive. Readers of this stimulating volume will learn how people affect the biosphere and how life and energy are maintained in the biosphere. Key elementary science curricula, including concepts such as food chains and life cycles, are reinforced through eye-catching graphic elements and age-appropriate text.

Earth's atmosphere plays a key role in maintaining the overall health of the planet. It is made of a very thin layer of air, which covers every inch of Earth's surface up to the edge of space. Readers of this engaging volume will learn all about the atmosphere, from its composition and behavior to how it affects life on Earth. Eye-catching photographs pair closely with age-appropriate text, supporting a deeper understanding of the curriculum-based content.