Physical Processes of Earth Unit 1 Physical Processes of Earth

Section 1 Physical Systems

Hydrosphere – watery areas of the Earth Atmosphere – layer of gases extending about 6,000 miles above the planet’s surface Biosphere – part of Earth that supports life Lithosphere – land areas of the Earth Continental Shelf – part of a continent that extends underwater

6. Continental Drift – theory that the continents slowly separated from Pangaea 7. Plate tectonics – activities that occur causing the Earth’s surface to change 8. Erosion – wearing away of the Earth’s surface by wind, water, and glaciers 9. Evaporation – changing of liquid water into vapor or gas 10. Condensation – water vapor turns into liquid water

Brainstorming On a scrap piece of paper write down 3 things you already know about the following: Atmosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere There should be a total of 12 facts!

What are Physical Systems? create, maintain, and modify features that make up the Earth’s surface Four Systems generate the surface Atmosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere

What makes up the atmosphere? gases above the planet’s surface 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% other small gases

What is the Biosphere? supports life on Earth All people, plants, and animals live here

Description of the Hydrosphere any watery area of Earth Includes oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water

What is the Lithosphere? Land areas of Earth makes up 30% of the Earth Mountains, plains, forests, etc.

Checking for Understanding Create a 4x4 chart using the physical systems we just discussed in class First row should include the names of the systems Rows 2-4 should include one characteristic about the systems above Atmosphere Biosphere Hydrosphere Lithosphere 1 2 3

What is Earth made of? 3 Layers Core (very hot) Mantle Crust (Where we live)

How did the continents form? Crust is broken up into more than a dozen slabs called plates Plates were once all together making up a supercontinent known as Pangaea Plates began to drift apart (continental drift) and this started millions of years ago

What are the effects of this movement? The major effect of this movement is the transformation of the Earth’s surface Examples of these transformations are: Volcanoes Mountains Rivers Tsunami’s Earthquakes

Earthquake

Fault Lines/Folds

Assignment Answer the following questions in paragraph form: Paragraph 1 – Describe, in detail, how plate tectonics has caused major changes in the earth’s surface. Give examples Paragraph 2 – Explain how the changes mentioned in paragraph one are dangerous to humans. Be specific Paragraph 3 – What things have humans done to be more prepared for such changes? Give 3 examples

What are the three Rock types? Igneous – crystalizing and solidifying of hot molten magma Sedimentary – formed from pre-existing rock pieces or organisms Metamorphic – rocks that have been changed by heat and/or pressure

Earth’s Water Cycle water is constantly moving: ocean to the air (evaporation) air to the clouds (condensation) clouds to the ground (precipitation) ground back to oceans (run-off)

Predictions What is the process for getting fresh drinking water?

Ocean Water to Freshwater ocean water is too salty! process of making freshwater from ocean water is called, desalination 97% of the world is Salt Water, 3% of the world is Freshwater

What do you know? Get out a half sheet of paper: You have 20 seconds to write down one fact about the physical processes Repeat 8 times: Rotate the papers with people around you You are NOT allowed to have the same thing twice on a piece of paper

End of Section 1 Quiz Tomorrow!