Final answer:
The Earth's surface is protected by the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Earth's surface is protected by several layers or spheres. These include the atmosphere, which is a layer of gases that surrounds the Earth and provides protection from harmful solar radiation and space debris. The hydrosphere, which refers to all the water on Earth's surface, also provides a protective barrier against erosion and acts as a buffer against temperature extremes. The geosphere, or solid Earth, provides a physical barrier and acts as a protective layer against external forces like meteor impacts. Lastly, the biosphere, which includes all living organisms, plays a role in protecting the Earth's surface through natural processes and ecosystems.
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