Earth's Structure and Composition
The Earth's complex structure consists of multiple distinct layers and systems that work together to support life and geological processes. The geosphere contains all rocky components from the crust to the core, while the atmosphere provides essential protection through its various layers.
Definition: The geosphere encompasses all rocky components of Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core, forming the planet's solid foundation.
Vocabulary: Geologists are scientists who specifically study Earth and its various components and processes.
Example: Constructive forces, such as volcanic eruptions, contribute to building Earth's surface, while destructive forces like erosion and weathering break it down.
Highlight: The Earth's mantle, despite being extremely hot, remains mostly solid and spans approximately 3,000 kilometers in thickness.
Quote: "Heat always moves from warmer to cooler parts" - this fundamental principle governs many of Earth's internal processes.
The planet's structure includes several key components:
- The crust varyingfrom6−100kmthick
- The mantle approximately3,000kmthick
- The outer core liquidstate
- The inner core solidstate,composedprimarilyofironandnickel
The atmosphere consists of multiple layers:
- Exosphere highestlayer
- Thermosphere
- Mesosphere
- Stratosphere protectsfromSun′srays
- Troposphere
Additional important systems include:
- Hydrosphere allwater,covering70
- Biosphere alllivingorganisms
- Lithosphere crustanduppermostmantle
- Asthenosphere
