The Geosphere

The Earth as a System The Earth is a system of 4 interacting components. Consists of: - Geosphere- Hydrosphere - Atmosphere- Biosphere

The Geosphere Composition The solid part of the Earth (rocks, minerals, soil, etc.) –Most of the geosphere is below the surface What is it? LithosphereCool, rigid layer that includes the crust; divided into plates AsthenosphereFlexible layer of the mantle that flows slowly, allowing plates above it to move Outer CoreLiquid nickel and iron Inner CoreSolid nickel and iron

Look at the world map. Does anything look like it could fit together like a puzzle?

The Geosphere Plate Tectonics Pangaea – Wegener’s idea that all of Earth’s continents were joined into one giant landmass 200 million years ago.

The Geosphere Plate Tectonics The tectonic plates ride atop the asthenosphere, moving in different directions BoundaryMovementResult Convergent2 plates move together Mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes Divergent Transform

Convergent Plate Boundaries Continental-continental Oceanic-continental Oceanic- oceanic

The Geosphere Plate Tectonics The tectonic plates ride atop the asthenosphere, moving in different directions BoundaryMovementResult Convergent2 plates move together Mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes Divergent2 plates move apart Ocean ridges (volcanic), rift valleys, earthquakes Transform

Divergent Plate Boundaries  Mid-ocean ridge Rift Valley 

The Geosphere Plate Tectonics The tectonic plates ride atop the asthenosphere, moving in different directions BoundaryMovementResult Convergent2 plates move together Mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes Divergent2 plates move apart Ocean ridges (volcanic), rift valleys, earthquakes Transform2 plates slide past each other Faults, earthquakes

Transform Plate Boundaries

The Geosphere Plate Tectonics Global Earthquake DistributionGlobal Volcano Distribution

The Geosphere EarthquakesVolcanic Eruptions How does it happen? Earth’s crust slips along a fault (crack in the crust) Local Effects Destruction, injuries, death Global Effects Tsunamis Which of these geologic hazards poses the greatest threat to the environment? Why?

The Geosphere EarthquakesVolcanic Eruptions How does it happen? Earth’s crust slips along a fault (crack in the crust) Pressure of magma inside the volcano becomes so great that it blows open the solid surface. Local Effects Destruction, injuries, death Destruction, injuries, death, mudflows, *improved soil fertility Global Effects Tsunamis Ash clouds from major eruptions can block sunlight & change drop the average global temp.

The Geosphere Erosion Rocks on the surface are changed by wind, running water, and weather. Erosion is the removal and transport of weathered surface materials. Over long periods of time, erosion can wear away entire mountains and produce spectacular landforms.

How is the land in this picture being used? The Land

How We Use Land Urban land = land covered mostly with buildings & roads and containing 2500 or more people. Rural land = land containing few people & large areas of open space.

Think-Pair-Share How are each type of land cover important to people?

The Urban-Rural Connection Think About It… Are people dependent on the resources produced in rural areas? Ecosystem services – resources produced by natural & artificial ecosystems

Urban Land Use Urbanization = the movement of people from rural areas to cities. People move to the cities for jobs.

Urbanization ProsCons

Urban Crisis When urban areas grow too quickly, a crisis can occur. Overwhelmed infrastructure (roads, sewers, railroads, bridges, firefighters/police, schools, libraries, hospitals, water mains, & power lines) Traffic jams Substandard housing Polluted air & water

Urban Sprawl Urban sprawl = rapid expansion of a city into the countryside around the city. –Results from suburban building housing & commercial Suburban development around Maui, HI

Development of Marginal Lands Some suburbs have been built on land that is not well suited to support buildings. This land is prone to landslides because it is unstable –Ex: Los Angeles, Mexico City

Urban Environmental Condition Heat Islands – increased temperature in a city Why? - roads & buildings absorb more heat than vegetation Effects? – local weather patterns change, more rainfall in cities Pollution of air, water, & land

Urban Planning Land-use planning is essential for pleasant urban living experiences. Ex: –Transportation in cities involves mass transit systems (buses, trains) Mass transit saves energy, reduces traffic, lowers air pollution, & limits the loss of land to roads & parking lots –Open space is set aside in urban areas for recreational enjoyment (parks, gardens, bike paths, hiking trails) Open spaces absorb CO2, produce oxygen, filter pollutants, lower temperatures, absorb rainwater

Land Management & Conservation Land TypeWhat is it?How is it used by people? What are the problems/threats to this land? How can it be maintained / protected? Farm land LAND USED FOR CROPS AND FRUITS FOODURBAN DEVELOPMENT FARMLAND PROTECTION PROGRAM Range land LAND THAT SUPPORTS VEGETATION (GRASSES) GRAZING LIVESTOCK OVERGRAZINGPUBLIC RANGELANDS IMPROVEMENT ACT Forest land LAND THAT SUPPORTS TREES WOOD, LUMBER, PAPER, ETC. DEFORESTATION (CLEARING WITHOUT REPLACING) REFORESTATION Parks & Preserves LAND PROTECTED AGAINST DEVELOPMENT RECREATION, WILDLIFE REFUGE, PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES INCREASED DEVELOPMENT, VISITOR DESTRUCTION & LITTERING US WILDERNESS ACT – PROTECTS FROM EXPLOITATION

Designing A Community You are a land-use planner. Design a model community that is to be home for 1000 people. Name your community & tell us where in the world you are located. –Sketch your plans for the following: Housing Commercial Transportation routes Open spaces Community services (electricity, water, trash collection, police & fire protection, schools, hospitals, etc.) Where will resources come from?