The Dynamic Earth The Earth as a System

The Dynamic Earth

The Earth as a System 1. Geosphere – rock 2. Atmosphere – air 3. Hydrosphere – water 4. Biosphere – living things

The Geosphere Consists of rock, and the soil and sediments on the surface

Composition of the Earth 1. Crust - thin top layer, where life exists 2. Mantle - middle layer, making up ½ of the inner earth. 3. Core - extremely hot innermost layer, mostly composed of iron

Structure of the Earth 5 Layers 1. Lithosphere - crust and upper most solid mantle - divided into tectonic plates 2. Asthenosphere - solid rock that flows slowly - convection currents happens here 3. Mesosphere – upper, middle and lower

Structure of the Earth 5 Layers 4. Outer Core - liquid layer 5. Inner Core - solid, very dense

Tectonic Plates • The lithosphere is divided into plates that glide across the asthenosphere. • Major plates: • Pacific • North American • South American • African • Eurasian • Antarctic

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• Tectonic plates collide, separate, or slip past one another. • Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain – building are all events that occur at the boundaries of tectonic plates.

Erosion • The removal and transport of surface material is called erosion • Water and wind can change the landscape.