Lithosphere Exam Review

Chapter 6: The Lithosphere Notes

Hydro Sphere

  • **Components:
    • Water
    • Temperature
    • Dam (control flows)
    • Sea and Ocean
    • Marine life (fish, ocean plants)
    • Climate impact: Rain and snow
    • Biodiversity and ecosystems**

Bio Sphere

  • **Components:
    • Living organisms (plants, trees, insects)
    • Resources for humans (vegetables, biotechnology)
    • Photosynthesis process in plants
    • Ecological zones**

Atmo Sphere

  • **Components:
    • Layers of the atmosphere
    • Contains gases:
    • Ozone (O₃)
    • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
    • Oxygen (O₂)
    • Role of clouds and weather systems
    • Pollution issues (air quality, greenhouse gases)
    • Importance of protection against UV rays and other hazards**

Litho Sphere

  • **Components:
    • Solid land (soil, rocks, minerals)
    • Tectonic activity (earthquakes, volcanoes)
    • Minerals and ores (copper, gold, iron)
    • Fossils and historical geology**

Importance of Earth Spheres

  • Order of Importance:
    1. Hydrosphere
    2. Lithosphere
    3. Biosphere
    • Each sphere contributes to Earth's sustainability and interaction.**

Minerals

  • Characteristics:
    • Inorganic substances that form naturally
    • Organized atoms leading to crystalline structures
    • Examples: Diamond (C), Salt (NaCl)
  • Classification by Characteristics:
    • Color, Transparency, Hardness (Mohs Scale)
    • Mohs Hardness Scale:
      1. Talc
      2. Gypsum
      3. Calcite
      4. Fluorite
      5. Apatite
      6. Feldspar
      7. Quartz
      8. Topaz
      9. Corundum
      10. Diamond**

Mining in Quebec

  • Mineral Resources:
    • Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron
    • Notable regions: Radisson, Maragami, Fermont, Chibougamau, Rouyn**

Uses of Minerals

  • Key Metals:
    • Copper (Cu), Gold (Au), Nickel (Ni)
    • Characteristics: Conductivity, luster, malleability
    • Essential for technology and energy solutions**

Types of Rocks

  • Three Main Types:
    • Igneous: Formed from cooled magma/lava
    • Sedimentary: Composed of particles and organic materials
    • Metamorphic: Formed under heat and pressure**

Energy Resources from the Lithosphere

  • Fossil Fuels:
    • Types: Coal, oil, gas
    • Advantages: Cost-effective, existing infrastructure
    • Disadvantages: Pollution issues, non-renewable nature, limited supply**

Nuclear Energy

  • Source:
    • Uranium: U-235 (Radioactive)
    • Advantages:
    • No air pollution
    • High energy output
    • Disadvantages:
    • Radioactive waste management issues
    • Risk of accidents and limited supply**

Geothermal Energy

  • Uses heat from the Earth's core:
    • Advantages:
    • Renewable source, zero emissions, minimal environmental impact
    • Disadvantages:
    • Geographically limited, high infrastructure costs**