intro plate tectonics

Geology

The study of solid earth and the processes that shape it.

Oceanography

The study of the oceans, including the ocean floor, water, and nutrients.

Meteorology

The study of the atmosphere and weather patterns.

Astronomy

The study of the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Environmental Science

The study of human interactions with the natural world.

Event marking the beginning of our solar system

The Sun turned on.

Early Earth Violent

Asteroids crashed into the surface, causing violent conditions.

Rocks older than 4.28 billion years

We don't have them because early Earth was too hot for rocks to form, and early rocks have been recycled in the rock cycle.

Atmospheric gases on Earth

Nitrogen, oxygen, argon, water, and carbon dioxide.

Hydrosphere

The water on Earth, primarily saltwater; most freshwater is trapped.

Geosphere

The solid Earth and its processes.

Biosphere

All of life on Earth.

Earth's layers

Differences in density of materials result in layers: crust, mantle, outer core, inner core.

Crust

The thinnest outermost layer, broken into tectonic plates, and contains life.

Mantle

A wax-like fluid layer where convection currents occur.

Convection currents

Cold, dense magma sinks and warmer rises due to differences in density in the mantle.

Role of convection currents

They move the tectonic plates.

Outer core

A liquid layer that contributes to Earth's magnetic field.

Inner core

A solid iron layer due to high pressure that also contributes to Earth's magnetic field.

Layers contributing to Earth's magnetic field

Inner and outer core.

Importance of magnetic field

It shields us from radiation and helps maintain our atmosphere.

Evidence of continental drift

1. Similar fossil records on far apart continents. 2. Puzzle piece fit of land masses. 3. Glacial grooves on warm continents (evidence of ancient climates). 4. Mountain chain separations.