Ch 6 - Earth and Space The Lithosphere

Lithosphere Def’n: The solid layer of the Earth. It contains the crust and the upper mantle.

Why is it important? Mining, agriculture, and energy resources

Minerals Inorganic, pure and homogenous Naturally occurring Distinct chemical composition Identically shaped crystal To identify, we examine its: Hardness, colour, transparency, density and streak

Rocks Rocks are mixtures Heterogeneous solids composed of different types of minerals Not characteristic (there are many different compositions) 3 types of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic

Ore Def’n: ore is a rock which contains valuable minerals tha we want to extract A deposit is when there is enough valuable mineral at a specific location for mining to occur Quebec has many element deposits (gold, copper, iron etc) How gold is mined: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_feJwOwsCzc

Types of Rocks Igneous: Sedimentary: Metamorphic Formed from cooled magma that has solidified Sedimentary: Small debris which has accumulated and compacted over time Metamorphic Rocks transformed due to high heat and pressure

Rock Cycle Everything eventually transforms….

Rocks to soil (dirt) Through wind and water erodes rock. Freeze and thaw also erodes rock. Soil (a mixture) is produced over time. It develops and thickens over time and forms layers (soil horizons) Approx. 200 years to form a layer of soil 1 cm thick

Soil Horizons O: Organic Matter A: Topsoil (Surface) Mostly organic matter Decomposing plants and animals A: Topsoil (Surface) Supports plants Mix of minerals and organic matter Contains humus

Soil Horizons B: Subsoil C: Fragmented parent rock (Substratum) Small mineral particles Trees with deep roots absorb the minerals C: Fragmented parent rock (Substratum) Chunks of rock from layer below Little or no plant life

Soil Horizons R: Unaltered Parent Rock (bedrock) Humus def’n: Starting point of soil formation Humus def’n: Organic component of soil, formed by decomposition of leaves and other plant matter by soil microorganisms

Soil Fertility Sufficient amount of minerals and organic matter Sufficient amount of moisture (water) Appropriate pH Appropriate pH is maintained by soils with good buffering capacity