The Earth SystemConnections among the great spheres.ppt

* * The Earth System Connections among the great spheres Before we delve into the connection between geology, health, and forensics, we must gain an appreciation of the connections and interactions between Earth’s main components. Both medical geology, and forensic geology, deal with our interaction with Earth processes. But it is also important to appreciate how Earth processes interact with each other. By doing this, we can maintain a broad perspective of our relationship to Earth. Why should we discuss the Earth System ? This Island Earth A closed system ! As far as life is concerned: “Goldilocks of the Solar System” (relative to Sun, not too far, not too close, just right !) Only planet presently known to support life About 4.5 billion years old Geologically dynamic internally and externally Earth As A Closed System Closed system: exchange of energy but negligible exchange of mass with surroundings Geosphere: comprises the solid Earth and includes both Earth’s surface and the various layers of the Earths interior. Atmosphere: gaseous envelope that surrounds the Earth and constitutes the transition between its surface and the vacuum of space Hydrosphere: includes all water on Earth (including surface water and groundwater) Biosphere: the life zone of the Earth and includes all living organisms, and all organic matter that has not yet decomposed. Earth’s Four Spheres The Earth’s Four Spheres Geosphere (Solid Earth) 94 % percent of the earth is composed of the elements oxygen and silicon (combined as the compound silica [silicon oxide: SiO2]), iron and magnesium interior of the earth is layered both chemically and mechanically. crust mantle core lithosphere asthenosphere mesosphere outer core inner core Composition Physical Characteristics Note: Lithosphere contains both crust and uppermost (brittle) layer of mantle Primarily iron and nickel Primarily silica plus iron and magnesium Primarily silica plus light metallic elements liquid solid so