TSUNAMI is the said event.
How may each of the Earth’s four spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere) have caused the event to occur? (These are sphere vs. event impacts.)
What are the effects of the event on each of the Earth’s four spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere)? (These are the event vs. sphere impacts.)
What are the effects of changes in one of Earth’s four spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, or biosphere) on each of the other spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, or biosphere)? (These are the sphere-to-sphere interactions.)
The correct answer and explanation is :
Tsunami and Earth’s Four Spheres Interaction
Sphere vs. Event (Causes of the Tsunami)
- Lithosphere → Tsunami
- The lithosphere (Earth’s crust) is responsible for most tsunami events. Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides on the seafloor create sudden shifts in ocean water, generating large waves.
- Hydrosphere → Tsunami
- The hydrosphere (oceans and water bodies) plays a role when an underwater disturbance occurs. Massive displacement of water propagates as waves across the ocean.
- Atmosphere → Tsunami
- Extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and storms can create a phenomenon called a “meteotsunami,” where rapid changes in atmospheric pressure generate waves.
- Biosphere → Tsunami
- Human activities like underwater explosions, nuclear tests, or destructive fishing practices can indirectly trigger disturbances leading to tsunamis.
Event vs. Sphere (Effects of Tsunami)
- Tsunami → Lithosphere
- The force of tsunami waves erodes coastlines, destroys landforms, and triggers landslides.
- Tsunami → Hydrosphere
- A tsunami disrupts ocean currents, introduces pollutants into water bodies, and alters marine ecosystems.
- Tsunami → Atmosphere
- Large-scale water displacement releases moisture into the air, affecting local weather and potentially intensifying storms.
- Tsunami → Biosphere
- Human and animal populations suffer from fatalities, destruction of habitats, and food and water shortages.
Sphere-to-Sphere Interactions
- Lithosphere → Hydrosphere
- Underwater earthquakes shift large amounts of ocean water, forming tsunami waves.
- Hydrosphere → Atmosphere
- The massive movement of ocean water influences wind patterns and contributes to local weather changes.
- Atmosphere → Biosphere
- Weather-related tsunamis, such as those caused by storms, can displace human and animal populations.
- Biosphere → Lithosphere
- Human activities like deforestation weaken coastal areas, making them more vulnerable to tsunami erosion.
These interactions highlight the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems and how one change can trigger widespread consequences.
Here is an image depicting the impact of a powerful tsunami on a coastal city, illustrating the interaction of Earth’s four spheres.