Chapter 5 – Major domains of the Earth

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 5 notes explain the four major domains of the Earth and their interdependence, forming the base of environmental geography.

1. Meaning of domains of the Earth

•  The Earth is divided into four major domains.
•  Each domain is different in nature and physical features.
•  Different domains support different life forms.
•  These domains together make the Earth a complete system.
•  Just like a house has different rooms, the Earth has different domains.

2. The four major domains

•  The lithosphere is the land domain.
•  The hydrosphere is the water domain.
•  The atmosphere is the air domain.
•  The biosphere is the life domain.
•  All four domains exist together on the Earth.

3. Lithosphere

•  The lithosphere is the solid crust of the Earth.
•  It includes continents and ocean floors.
•  Major landforms include mountains, plateaus, and plains.
•  It provides land for settlements.
•  It is a source of minerals and forests.
•  Human activities like agriculture, mining, and industries depend on it.

4. Hydrosphere

•  The hydrosphere includes all water bodies on the Earth.
•  It includes oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, and glaciers.
•  The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
•  Other oceans are the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Southern Ocean.
•  Water is essential for life, agriculture, and industries.
•  Oceans help in climate control and trade.

5. Atmosphere

•  The atmosphere is the blanket of air surrounding the Earth.
•  It is made up of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
•  It protects the Earth from harmful sun rays.
•  It helps in weather and climate formation.
•  The atmosphere makes breathing possible.
•  Life on Earth cannot exist without the atmosphere.

6. Biosphere

•  The biosphere is the narrow zone where land, water, and air interact.
•  It includes all living organisms.
•  Life forms include plants, animals, and human beings.
•  The biosphere supports all forms of life on Earth.
•  It connects the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

7. Interdependence of domains

•  All four domains of the Earth are interconnected.
•  Plants need soil from the lithosphere.
•  Plants also need water from the hydrosphere.
•  Air from the atmosphere is essential for life.
•  If one domain is disturbed, the others are also affected.
•  Balance among domains is necessary for survival.

8. Important keywords

•  Lithosphere refers to the land surface of the Earth.
•  Hydrosphere includes all water bodies.
•  Atmosphere is the layer of air around the Earth.
•  Biosphere is the zone of life.
•  Continent is a large landmass.
•  Ocean is a large body of salty water.

9. Why this chapter is important

•  This chapter explains the Earth as a system.
•  It builds a foundation for understanding environment.
•  It helps in learning about climate and ecology.
•  It explains the relationship between nature and life.
•  It is very important for environmental studies.
•  It is useful for competitive exams foundation.

This chapter helps understand Earth as an integrated system of land, water, air, and life.

Continue reading Class 6 Geography Chapter 6 – Major Landforms of the Earth to learn about mountains, plains, and plateaus.

FAQs

Q1. What are the four domains of the Earth?
Lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.

Q2. Why are these domains interdependent?
Life depends on all four working together.