The Earth’s Structure

The Earth’s Lithosphere

S and P Waves S and P waves travel at different speeds Both waves travel through sold material Only P waves can travel through liquids Seismology is the study of vibrations in the Earth What causes vibrations?

Seismic Data

Seismology Earthquakes cause waves inside Earth Seismology allows us to study the interior of the Earth The speed of the waves depends on the both the density and temperature of the mantle and the core

Earth’s Interior Seismic data can be interpreted to find the Density and temperature of the Earth’s interior The metal core is denser as predicted by differentiation Why is the inner core solid? Pressure!

Molten Iron Core Iron is a good conductor The Earth’s spin creates eddies in the liquid outer core The iron in the outer core can produce magnetic fields

Magnetosphere

The Earth’s Crust

Plate Tectonics

Seismic Activity

Continental Drift

Continents a Long Time Ago

Tectonic Effects on Geography

California: On the Edge

Earth’s Atmosphere

Oxygen and Ozone

Carbonate-Silicate Cycle

Ocean Balances Climate

Ice Ages End

Upsetting the Balance

Global Warming

Depletion of Ozone

How the Moon Formed Best theory involves a catastrophic collision Fission, accretion, and capture theories all have weaknesses Figure depicts fission, accretion, and capture theories