Structure and Movement of the Earth Structure, Shape, and Internal Systems of the Earth

Three Main Layers of the Earth Core-center of the earth –divided into two layers: Iron and Outer Mantle-Layer of the earth that is between the Earths core and crust –about 1800 miles thick –divided into two layers: upper and lower Crust- Thin layer of rock at the earths surface –contains the lithosphere (Plate tectonics)

Core, Mantle, Crust Diagram

On and Above the Earth Atmosphere: layer of gases surrounding earth Lithosphere: upper part of crust (solid rock) forming continents and ocean floors Hydrosphere: water elements on earth (rivers, oceans, lakes and water in atmosphere) Biosphere: where people/animals and plants live (atmosphere+lithoshere+hydrosphere)

Internal Forces Shaping the Earth Continental Drift: The idea that all of the continents were once joined together as one super-continent called Pangaea, which spread apart into 7 continents over 200 million years (p 29) D:\assets\interactives\wgy29.html

Pangaea

Internal Forces Shaping the Earth Earthquakes –Caused by the collisions and movement of Tectonic Plates(p37) (Moving pieces of the Earths lithosphere) –The line where plates meet is called a Fault Line(p 39) –The Richter Scale(1-10…10 being worst) uses information collected by Seismographs to determine the strength of an earthquake –The point on the surface directly above the source of the quake is called the epicenter. D:\assets\interactives\wgy37.html

Fault Lines

Tsunami When an earthquake occurs under the ocean, it can create a large wave which is called a tsunami, These waves can be ft tall, and can travel at 450 mph

Volcanoes Most Volcanoes found along tectonic plate boundaries Ring of Fire- a zone around the rim of the Pacific ocean which is the location of the majority of active volcanoes in the world (map on page 37) D:\assets\interactives\wgy37.html