Lithosphere

Lithosphere role

Solid base supporting other spheres and providing planetary stability

Lithosphere effect on Atmosphere

Chemical weathering reactions and release of volcanic gases

Lithosphere effect on Hydrosphere

Supplying dissolved minerals and salts necessary for life

Lithosphere effect on Biosphere

Providing essential nutrients and ions through soil

Calcium pyroxene rocks

Basalt and Gabbro

Chemical weathering reactants

Silicate rock and Water (H2O) and Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbonic Acid formula

H2CO3

Weathering Step 1

Release of calcium ions (Ca2+) from the rocks

Weathering Step 2

Calcium ions react with bicarbonate ions

Weathering Step 3

Formation of calcium bicarbonate which dissolves in water

Weathering Step 4

Transport of dissolved calcium bicarbonate by rivers to the sea

Weathering Step 5

Precipitation in seas as calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

Greenhouse effect reduction

The lithosphere reduces atmospheric CO2 levels over long periods

Water Hardness definition

High concentrations of positively charged ions especially Ca2+ and Mg2+

Hard water consequence 1

Soap becomes less effective

Hard water consequence 2

Limescale deposits form in boilers and water pipes

Laws of Solubility

Explain why water properties differ by region and how salts are supplied

Ionic bonds solubility

Dissociates and dissolves easily (example Calcite)

Covalent bonds solubility

Dissociates and dissolves very slowly (example Quartz)

Temperature effect

Increasing water temperature increases the solubility of most minerals

Hot spring cooling

Minerals are deposited when the water temperature drops

Pressure effect

Increased pressure increases CO2 solubility which enhances rock dissolution

Acid rain formation

Rainwater dissolves atmospheric CO2 to form carbonic acid

Acid rain result

Increased mineral solubility and formation of caves in limestone

Zeolite

A porous volcanic rock used as a natural filter for water treatment

Zeolite function

Traps impurities and heavy metals inside tiny pores

Phosphate Rock nutrient

Phosphate ions (PO4 3-) essential for growth and energy transfer

Feldspar decomposition

Releases potassium ions (K+) from granite rock

Potassium plant use 1

Regulates the opening and closing of stomata

Potassium plant use 2

Helps in energy production inside plant cells

Tectonic Plate cause

Convection currents within the molten magma in the asthenosphere

Plate movement rate

A few centimeters per year

Convergent movement result

Rocks are compressed and pushed upward to form high mountain ranges

Convergent example

Himalayas mountains

Divergent movement result

Cracks and rift valleys and new ocean floor and volcanic islands

Divergent example

The African Rift

Transform movement result

Faults and the sudden release of energy as earthquakes

Transform example

San Andreas Fault