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structure of the biosphere

Biosphere: the part of the Earth’s covering where life is possible; it extends from the floor of the oceans to the summit of the highest mountains (about 20 km).

See structure of the biosphere in : french | spanish

atmosphere

Layer of air that surrounds the Earth and is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%); only its lower portion is part of the biosphere.

profile of the Earth’s atmosphere

hydrosphere

A collective term for the planet’s waters, including the oceans, seas, lakes, watercourses and underground water systems.

lithosphere

Outer layer of the Earth’s crust; only its upper portion, to a depth of 2 km, is part of the biosphere.