1 An Introduction to Geology Ms. Pushie Geology 12 CHS 2010

2 What is Geology? Geology -The study of the Earth Geo =earth, ology study of Physical Geology examines the materials and the processes of the earth Historical Geology examines the origin and evolution of our planet through time

3 Geology Geology is an evolving science What does evolving mean? Geology seeks to understand the origin of our planet and our place in the universe.

4 How Does Geology Affect Our Daily Lives? Natural Events Economics and Politics Our role as Decision Makers Consumers and Citizens Sustainable Development

5 Global Geologic and Environmental Issues Facing Humankind From a population of 1 billion at the beginning of the 19 th century, our species now number more than 6 billion people. OVERPOPULATION?

6 Global Geologic and Environmental Issues Facing Humankind GLOBAL WARMING?

7 Introducing the Earth History of the Earth Origin of the solar system Origin of the Moon Our changing earth surface Unit 1: The nature of Geology

8 Origin Solar System

9 5 Steps Origin of the Solar System 1. Nebula present in the milky way galaxy. –A nebula is a vast cloud of dust and gas. 2. Collapse of the Nebular cloud –5 billion years ago the nebula began to gravitationally contract, rotate and flatten.

10 5 Steps Origin of the Solar System 3. The sun ignited (fusion) and surrounding particles and gases differentiated. 4. Heavier elements and chemical components sank to the center particles and rocky material formed the crust which was the formation of planetesimals. The newly formed planets released gases that became the atmospheres.

11 5 Steps Origin of the Solar System 5. Present solar system

12 Origin of the Moon

13 The Earths Spheres The Earth is composed of several parts (spheres) that interact with one another: atmosphere hydrosphere solid earth (lithosphere) biosphere (cryosphere)

14 The Earths Spheres Hydrosphere: the global ocean is the most prominent feature of our (blue) planet. The oceans cover ~71% of our planet and represent 97% of all the water on our planet. Hydro = water Atmosphere: the swirling clouds of the atmosphere represent the very thin blanket of air that covers our planet. It’s the air we breathe, and it protects us from harmful radiation from the sun.

15 The Earths Spheres Biosphere: includes all life on Earth - concentrated at the surface. Plants and animals don't only respond the their environment but also exercise a very strong control over the other parts of the planet. Bio = life Solid Earth: represents the majority of the Earth system. Most of the Earth lies at inaccessible depths. However, the solid Earth exerts a strong influence on all other parts (ex. magnetic field).

16 The Earth System Can we act on one sphere without acting on the others? What are some of the interactions between these spheres?

17 The continents sit just above sea level, except for the mountain belts, and include continental areas which are slightly covered by the oceans (<100m depth). The oceans are about 5km deep in the basins, but run to 10km in the trenches and as shallow as 2km on the mid-ocean ridges. \ Where does te pattern come from? The Face of the Earth

18 Earth– draw me!

19 Why is Earth a Dynamic Planet The Core –Solid inner, liquid outer The Mantle –Surrounds the core, 3 different zones The Crust –Ocean (water) –Continental (land)  Plate tectonic Theory describes how the 3 parts interact with one another.