Our Planet…

Onion Earth Earth has many layers Lithosphere Atmosphere Solid surface of the planet Atmosphere Gases surrounding the planet Hydrophere and Cryosphere All water found on our planet Biosphere All life on Earth

Lithosphere The solid part of the Earth (continental lithosphere and oceanic lithosphere)

Layer 1: The Lithosphere Mineral vs. Rocks vs. ORE Minerals are: Inorganic substances (don’t come from plants or animals) Naturally occurring Have a distinct mineral composition Have well defined properties (due to composition and shape) Rocks are: Heterogeneous solids composed of many minerals Ore is: Rock or minerals that is economically viable to extract

Interesting facts on minerals: Characteristics to identify minerals a) Colors A mineral that will always have the same color : idiochromatic A mineral that may vary in color: allochromatic b) Hardness Depends on atoms in the mineral Mohs scale indicated the resistance to scratching c) Transparency Transparent/translucent/opaque d) Streak

Rocks: Types of rocks Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic - Rocks formed when magma cools and solidifies Sedimentary - Rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of debris Metamorphic - Rocks that have been transformed by heat or pressure

Rocks to soil… Through the wind and water erosion as well as freeze and thaw, erodes the rocks. Soil is produced As soil develops it thickens and forms distinct layers (a.k.a. horizons)

Soil horizons Horizon O: Organic Matter Horizon A: Topsoil Mostly made up of organic matter Horizon A: Topsoil Supports plant life Mixture of minerals and organic matter Horizon B: Subsoil Made of small mineral particles Tree with deep roots, take in nutrients Horizon C: Fragmented Parent Rock Also called substratum Formed by the disintegration of the underlying parent rock Horizon R: Unaltered parent rock Starting point of soil formation

Issues with soil… What makes soil fertile? Sufficient amount of minerals Sufficient amount of moisture Appropriate pH pH that is not optimal will limit the absorption of nutrients A soil’s buffering capacity is its ability to resist pH changes. The finer the texture of the soil the better it will resist pH change.

Energy Resources Fossil Fuels Nuclear Geothermal Includes oil, coal and natural gas Oil and natural gas result from the decomposition of marine animals and algae Coal results from the decomposition of organic plant matter Advantages Disadvantages Nuclear Geothermal