1. Introduction

2. Formation of Earth The Nebular Hypothesis
bodies in our solar system evolved from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula.
mostly hydrogen and helium, with some heavier elements.

3. Differentiation
As Earth cooled, layers formed through a process called differentiation.
Denser elements (iron and nickel) sunk to Earth’s core.
Lighter material migrated outward forming the mantle and crust.

4. Earth’s Four Spheres Solid Earth (Lithosphere) Hydrosphere Atmosphere
Biosphere

5. Solid Earth Core mostly iron and nickel densest part of Earth
inner core solid
Mantle
mostly iron and
magnesium
liquid
Crust
mostly silicon and
oxygen
rigid outer layer

6. Earth’s Crust The earth’s crust is divided into: Continental crust
Oceanic crust

7. Hydrosphere Ocean (the most prominent feature of the hydrosphere)
a. Nearly 71% of Earth’s surface
b. About 97% of the earth’s water
Fresh water
a. glaciers
b. rivers and lakes
c. groundwater

8. Atmosphere Gaseous envelope surrounding Earth a. life-giving gases
b. protects organisms from intense heat and radiation from the sun

9. Biosphere
Includes all life
Influences the other three spheres

10. Course Overview Lithosphere- Geology Water- Oceanography
Atmosphere- Meteorology
Space- Astronomy

11. Branches of Geology
Paleontology

12. Branches of Geology
Volcanology

13. Branches of Geology
Glaciology

14. Branches of Geology
Seismology

15. Branches of Geology
Mineralogy

16. Branches of Geology
Sedimentology

17. Branches of Geology
Structural Geology

18. Branches of Geology
Planetary Geology