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