GEOLOGY What is geology? It is essentially the study of the earth and it’s dynamic processes. Features and processes of rocks, the earth’s interior and surface.

Structure of the Earth Made up of three main parts: 1.Core 2.Mantle 3.Crust 1.Core – Inner core is solid mainly made out of iron and nickel. Outer core is liquid. Extremely hot (4,300*C)

Structure of the Earth 2. Mantle – Largest zone of the interior. Solid rock made of mainly iron, silicon, oxygen and magnesium. Near the outermost part, is a very hot, partially melted zone of rock that flows like soft plastic. This part is called the athenosphere. The outermost part is called the lithosphere.

Structure of the Earth 3.Crust – the outermost and thinnest layer of the earth. Consists of the continental crust and oceanic crust. Made up of eight elements, mostly oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, etc. The lithosphere contains the outermost part of the mantle and all of the crust.

Internal Processes of the earth. Convection cells and mantle plumes

PLATE TECTONICS The outer most crust (or lithosphere) are made up of solid rock plates that move on the athenosphere. The theory explaining the movements of plates and the processes that occur at their boundaries is called plate tectonics. Pgs in text

Plate Boundaries Divergent plate boundary – when the plates move apart in opposite directions. Forms volcanoes and earthquakes.

Plate Boundaries Convergent plate boundary – when the plates move together. The denser plate is subducted under the lighter plate. This forms a trench. Can cause earthquakes and volcanoes.

Plate Boundaries Places where plates slide past each other are called transform boundaries (fault). Causes earthquakes.

External Processes of the Earth External processes are driven by the energy of the sun. (instead of the heat of the earth in internal processes) External processes tend to degrade the crust. (instead of the changing/renewal processes of internal processes)

External Processes of the Earth Erosion is when the earth’s surface is worn away by wind, water, or human influence. Weathering is the main natural means for erosion.

Erosion

What is soil?

Soil is…. Pieces of rock Minerals Decaying organic matter Water Air Living organisms All mixed together!

Soil Horizons – the layers of soil O-horizon: the surface litter. Mainly black or brown A-horizon: the top soil layer. Made out of humus. Both of these layers have abundant living organisms and root systems.

Soil Horizons B-horizon: the subsoil. More rock and less humus. C-horizon: the parent material. Bedrock.

Soil Renewable or nonrenewable? Varies in content of… Clay – very fine particles, low permeability, high water retention, feels sticky when wet, very little air or nutrients. Silt – fine particles, good permeability, good water retention, feels gritty, good amount of air and nutrients. Sand – large particles, fast permeability, low water retention, large amount of air. Very little nutrients. Loam – equal amounts of silt and sand with a little less of clay. Ideal for living organisms.

Soil types

What can cause soil erosion? 1. Wind 2. Water How do humans affect soil erosion? Shopping malls Urban sprawl – destroying natural habitats Farming/Timber Irrigation

Leaf Biomass/ Litter Investigation Each group will have one lab write-up for the investigation. Background information at leaf litter: What is leaf litter? Why is it important? What is biomass? Questions raised in the investigations: How much difference in biomass is there between a single tree and a forest? Is there a difference in biomass in a forest, comparing a location in the center of the canopy and on the edge of the canopy? Hypothesis generated: Predictions about the experiment: Materials used: Outside materials: Inside materials:

Description of lab set-up and procedures followed: Describe your lab set-up. Indoor observation procedures.(Looking at the leaf litter) Observations made at group sites: #1, #2 and #3. Observations made in the classroom with collected sample: Drawings and a data table of life found.