CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENT

Environment: The Literal meaning of Environment is ‘the Surroundings’ we are surrounded by Abiotic and Biotic Components, (Atmosphere & Environment). The natural environment includes the nature of the living space, (the location, topography, slope), climate, natural vegetation, soils and organisms.                                                            (Black Box Approach)

The term Environment derived from the French word “environs” which means around, encircle or encompass. Environment can also be referred as the totality of all the externalities that affect human life.

In broader perspective environment consists of human, social, political, economic and physical environment.

Components of Environment: It can be broadly classified into two major categories are as given in the chart.

                                        

(A) Natural Environment

Lithosphere: In simple words Continental crust and oceanic crust collectively known as Lithosphere which means the upper part of the earth, it is a solid rocky crust covering the entire planet which is composed of minerals. It consists of continents, Mountains, ocean floor which makes up 29% of the earth’s surface.

Hydrosphere: Water which is surrounded on the earth surface in the form of Oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers makes a sphere is known as hydrosphere. It covers about 71 % of the earth surface of which 97 % is in the oceans and 3 % potable water which is in the form of solid ice sheets, rivers, ponds etc.

Atmosphere: Atmosphere is composed of various vital layer of the gases like Nitrogen is about 78%, oxygen is about 21%, carbon dioxide is about 0.03% in the atmosphere. These atmospheric gases have their different roles in the atmosphere like carbon dioxide is responsible for increase in the temperature of the earth and main component for plants photosynthesis process. Oxygen is vital elements for all living animals.

Biosphere: It is most important sphere among all of these it includes living or non living organisms, plants and animal species included one cell organisms.

In other words the part of the earth surface and atmosphere in which plants and animals can live. This means the totality of life on or near Earth’s surface.

(B) Man-made Environment

Anthrosphere: The anthrosphere word was first used by Edward Suess a Austrian geologist. Anthrosphere means that any part of an environment which is modified or  used by humans for their activity is known as anthrosphere The entire infrastructure made by humans by using the natural components of the environment can be considered as a part of Anthrosphere. For e.g. buildings made with the use of wood, cement or water. Even an ocean-going ship used to ship goods made in the factory.

So this is the short introduction of environment in the next topic we will cover more topics which is related to environment with detailed information.