Earth is composed of four open systems that work together—the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the geosphere. The atmosphere refers to all air around you as well as the air that extends from the surface of the Earth into space. The hydrosphere refers to Earth’s water; this includes oceans, lakes, glaciers, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The biosphere refers to all organisms on Earth, whether they live in air, on land, or in water. The geosphere refers to the Earth’s interior, rocks, minerals, landforms, and processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Carbon is one of the six elements that are common to all living things. It is the basis for all life on Earth. Carbon moves thr