Properties of the Subcomponents
mass
properties
Atmosphere
5.14x1018 kg
The interaction of atmospheric gases with
radiant energy modulate the flow of energy through the climate system.
Oceans
1.39x1021 kg
Earth’s principal reservoirs of thermal energy
and moisture that can determine atmospheric composition and provide long-term
memory for the climate.
Solid Earth
(Land
Surface)
5.98x1024 kg
Vegetation, snowcover, and soil conditions
affect the local and global climate. More changeable than oceans.