Understanding Earth’s Dynamic Processes: Layers, Heat, and Plate Tectonics
Understanding Earth’s Dynamic Processes
Introduction to Earth Science
- When earthquakes occur, they produce seismic waves.
- The three main layers of Earth are the crust, the mantle, and the core. These layers vary greatly in size, composition, temperature, and pressure.
Pressure: Is a force pressing on an area.
Earth’s Layers
The Crust
- Your journey to the center of Earth begins in the crust. The crust is the layer of rock that forms Earth’s outer skin. It is a layer of solid rock that includes both dry land
Understanding Sustainable and Conventional Energy Sources
Renewable and Non-Conventional Energy Sources
The increasing energy demands have compelled countries worldwide to consider an energy policy and explore the possibility of an energy system with minimal environmental impact. Coal and oil deposits are finite. The energy crisis highlights the need for sustainable energy development, urging replacement with non-polluting renewable sources and conservation. Efforts are being made to develop new sources of energy. These are called renewable sources of energy
Read MoreEarth’s Dynamic Systems: Ecosystems and Tectonics
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a natural system in which the life cycles of flora and fauna are closely related to each other.
Non-Living Environment
The non-living environment includes:
- Water
- Air
- Solar energy
- Rocks
- Soils
Living Environment
The living environment includes:
- Plants
- Animals
- Insects
- Microorganisms
- People
Energy Flow
Each ecosystem is sustained by the flow of energy through it. The main source of energy is sunlight, which is absorbed by green plants and converted through the process of photosynthesis.
Nutrient
Read MorePlanetary Science: Mars, Jupiter, and Outer Moons
Mars: Atmosphere, Water, and Polar Caps
Current Martian Atmosphere and Past Evidence
Describe the current atmosphere on Mars. What evidence suggests that it must have been different in the past?
- The atmosphere is thin, 0.7% of Earth’s, and is composed of 95% CO2.
Evidence of Water on Mars
What evidence do we have that there was running (liquid) water on Mars in the past? What evidence is there for water coming out of the ground even today?
- The ice caps and the subsurface of Mars have significant amounts
Earth’s Geological Foundations: Rocks, Minerals, and Layers
Earth’s Internal Structure
The Earth’s interior is composed of distinct layers:
- The Crust: Varies in thickness from 0 km to approximately 60 km.
- The Mantle: Extends from the base of the crust down to about 2,900 km.
- The Core: Reaches from 2,900 km to the Earth’s center at approximately 6,370 km.
The Lithosphere: Earth’s Rigid Outer Shell
The Lithosphere is the rigid outermost shell of the Earth, encompassing the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is the region where most significant geological
Read MoreEssential Construction Materials: Types and Properties
Building Materials and Components
Structural Elements
- The structure is the skeleton of a building. It is formed by the foundations, columns, beams, and floor slabs. It can be made of concrete, reinforced concrete, or steel.
Enclosures
- Enclosures serve as external protection. They are formed by the walls and roof facade.
Partitions
- Partitions are internal walls that distribute the interior space of each building, primarily made from bricks or prefabricated gypsum.
Finishes and Coverings
- Floor, wall, and