Water-Wedge Interaction
How do different components of the critical zone interact with each other and what is the role of water in this interaction?
Although the critical zone includes four layers, the distinctions between atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere are not as simple as in the drawing. The boundaries of different spheres overlap, and the appearance of the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere will change depending on the flow and storage of water between the spheres.
The pictures below show water infiltration in the critical zone. The color of the layers gets darker when more water is stored.
Although the critical zone includes four layers, the distinctions between atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere are not as simple as in the drawing. The boundaries of different spheres overlap, and the appearance of the atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere will change depending on the flow and storage of water between the spheres.
The pictures below show water infiltration in the critical zone. The color of the layers gets darker when more water is stored.