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Earth’s Structure and Composition What is geology? What are the characteristics of Earth’s three layers?
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How do we know about Earth’s interior if we can’t see it? -Interpret seismic (earthquake) waves -Waves travel at different speeds in different mediums and materials Geology = The study of the planet Earth’s composition & structure Seimic waves & E’s interior: http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/co ntent/investigations/es0402/es0402page01.cfm
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2 Forces that Change Earth’s Surface A. Constructive Forces = Forces that build up mountains etc. B. Destructive Forces = Forces that slowly wear away any feature
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Earth: Cross Section Major Layers 1. Core (inner and outer) 2. Mantle 3. Crust -Why does Earth have layers? Most dense material sinks to center / Light stuff “floats” on top -Temperature and pressure increase with depth. Temps: Inner core (13 000 F = surface of sun); Mantle (Range fr. 7 000 – 1 600F) - Each layer varies in physical properties: density, temp., ability to flow (viscosity)
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CoreMantleCrust Iron (85%) Nickel (11%) Sulfur (4%) Density: ~11 g/cm 3 Density: ~5 g/cm 3 Density: ~3 g/cm 3
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The Composition of the Earth
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Crust Types of Crust A. Continental Less dense rocks like granite 8 – 40 km thick Older B. Oceanic Dense rocks like basalt ~7 km thick Younger Composition Light Rock layer Thin layer Made of silicates (Light rocks of silicon & oxygen)
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Abundances of Elements in Earth’s Crust Silicon & Oxygen compounds = silicates ( ~ 74%) These make crust light!
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“Moho” = boundary b/w crust & upper mantle
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Mantle Convection http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/structure/dynamicearth/convection/index.htm
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The Mantle Composition: Hot Heavy Rock ! Made of silicates; but also a lot of iron & magnesium (heavier) Temps: 1,600 7,000 F Pressure increases as you descend! Not COMPLETELY solid Middle part is “plastic”/ taffy like Hot rock moves in CONVECTION CURRENTS
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3 Divisions of the Mantle Lithosphere = Upper mantle + Crust “Plates”, Rigid Slabs Asthenosphere = Softer, moving hot rock (Convection Currents) Mesosphere = Stiffer rock near core
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How do we know what’s in the mantle? How do we know what it is made of? Scientists infer based on: Pushed up rock Ocean floor/molten rock Seismic waves What is it like? Like the mineral olivine Large amounts of iron and magnesium
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Core Composition: Heavy Metals! Iron & Nickel (How do we know? Earth’s magnetic field & seismic waves) Pressure 3.6 million times that at surface Temps: 6 700 C (same as surface of sun)
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2 Layers of Core Inner Core –Solid iron and nickel –High pressure keeps it solid Outer Core Liquid iron and nickel High temp. keeps it liquid Responsible for Earth’s magnetic field
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Visualizations Earth Science Classzone: http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc /navigation/investigation.cfmhttp://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc /navigation/investigation.cfm Visuals on plate convection: http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~gurnis/Movies/mov ies-more.html http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~gurnis/Movies/mov ies-more.html Mantle Convection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0dWF_3PYh 4&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL887 3B6173CE6E948 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0dWF_3PYh 4&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL887 3B6173CE6E948 Pole Reversal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-p49IBuR1Y Polar Shift http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akBvr_ZUCro &feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akBvr_ZUCro &feature=related Polar Shift 2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23uwKo6vd0 Y&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23uwKo6vd0 Y&feature=related 2012 mag reversal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOk7_6pcUn s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOk7_6pcUn s Early Earth & Plate Tectonics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDqskltCixA& feature=related Journey to the center of the Earth Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kibQWhiymtM Part 6: 4 min.- mineralogy & seismo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYbE5jA0plA Part 7: Seismic waves http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP9R20QgDN s&feature=related
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Iron (85%) Nickel (11%) Sulfur (4%) Density: ~11 g/cm 3 The Core
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Label Each Layer. Be able to describe each layer. Upper mantle
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Self Quiz 1.Compare how constructive and destructive forces affect Earth’s surface. 2.List the 3 layers of Earth. 3.Which layer has currents of moving rock? 4.Which is the most dense layer? 5.Which layer is made of light rocks like silicates? 6.Which is more dense: Continental or Oceanic Crust? 7.Which layer of the mantle is part of Earth’s plates? 8.Which layer is made of heavy metals?
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Answers to Self Quiz 1.Constructive forces build new land/crust and destructive forces destroy crust. 2.Crust, Mantle, Core 3.The asthenosphere – which is in the mantle 4.The core 5.The crust 5.Oceanic crust is denser (but thinner) 6.The upper mantle (and the crust make up the lithosphere, or plates) 7.Core
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