Earth Science Fundamentals

Created by

@SmilingLemur

Study Notes

Earth's Structure

The Earth is composed of three main layers:
1. Crust: outermost solid layer, ranging in thickness from 5-70 km
2. Mantle: thick, viscous layer beneath the crust, divided into upper and lower mantle
3. Core: innermost layer, composed of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core

Plate Tectonics

The Earth's lithosphere (outer layer) is broken into several large plates that move relative to each other
Plate movement is responsible for:
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic activity
- Mountain building
- Sea-floor spreading

Earth's Systems

Hydrosphere: all the Earth's water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater
Atmosphere: the layer of gases surrounding the Earth
Geosphere: the solid, rocky part of the Earth
Biosphere: the region of the Earth where living organisms exist

Weathering and Erosion

Weathering: the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, through:
- Mechanical weathering (e.g. freeze-thaw cycles)
- Chemical weathering (e.g. oxidation, dissolution)
Erosion: the transportation of weathered particles away from their source, through:
- Water (e.g. rivers, ocean currents)
- Wind
- Ice (e.g. glaciers)

Earth's Processes

Rock Cycle: the continuous process of rock formation, transformation, and destruction
Water Cycle: the movement of water between the Earth's systems, including:
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Runoff

Earth's Resources

Renewable resources: resources that can be replenished naturally, such as:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Water
Non-renewable resources: resources that cannot be replenished naturally, such as:
- Fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil, gas)
- Minerals (e.g. iron, copper)

Description

Test your knowledge of Earth's structure, plate tectonics, Earth's systems, weathering and erosion, Earth's processes, and natural resources. Learn about the Earth's composition, geological processes, and natural systems.