The Lithosphere. The Lithosphere. The Earth Consists of Overlapping Layers:

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Lithosphere. The Lithosphere. The Earth Consists of Overlapping Layers:"

Marianna Chandler
5 years ago
Views:

The Lithosphere Earth and Space Unit Continued The Earth Consists

1 The Lithosphere Earth and Space Unit Continued The Earth Consists of Overlapping Layers: 1. Hydrosphere + Cryosphere 2. Atmosphere 3. Biosphere 4. Lithosphere The Lithosphere The lithosphere is the hard shell of the Earth. It consists of the crust and the top part of the upper mantle. The name is derived from the Greek word LITHOS meaning rocky or stone. LITHOS + SPHERE = ROCKY LAYER of the Earth

Minerals Minerals are naturally forming, solid, inorganic substances with

Inorganic means that it did not come from a living thing.

content For example: fossil fuels are organic compounds.

of their: Diamond 1. Colour (one colour or more than one colour) 2.

2 Minerals Minerals are naturally forming, solid, inorganic substances with distinct chemical compositions and properties. Inorganic means that it did not come from a living thing. Organic materials came from living things, and therefore have a high carbon content For example: fossil fuels are organic compounds. Mineral Classification Examples of Minerals Minerals are classified based off of their: Diamond 1. Colour (one colour or more than one colour) 2. Transparency (amount of light allowed to pass through it) 3. Hardness (it s resistance to scratching) 4. Streak (colour left behind when rubbed on porcelain) 5. Etc. Emerald Ruby

Ore An ore is a rock that contains a high

3 Ore An ore is a rock that contains a high quantity of a valuable mineral. When the amount of a mineral in a given area is high enough for mining (extraction from the ground by humans). the mineral layer is then called a deposit. Mining In Quebec Ore Mining Mining for iron at an iron deposit

Environmental Impacts of Mining Some of the environmental impacts of mining include: erosion (the loss of soil as it gets washed away by water) formation of sinkholes contamination of soil,

4 Environmental Impacts of Mining Some of the environmental impacts of mining include: erosion (the loss of soil as it gets washed away by water) formation of sinkholes contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by Soil Soil is important because it: 1. Absorbs, filters and stores water 2. Is a source of nutrients chemicals from mining processes Soil Soil is fertile for plants when: 1. There is enough minerals to nourish the plants 2. There is enough water stored 3. The ph must be right àif the soil is too acidic or basic, then minerals cannot be absorbed properly by the roots Horizons (layers) differ in colour and texture Soil is lighter and has bigger particles the lower you go The more organic matter the soil has the darker the colour. Each layer gets thicker as you go down

5 1. The organic (O) layer: contains mostly humus which is the result of decaying plant and animal matter 3. The Subsoil(B) :Mostly composed of small mineral particles deep roots can take nutrients from this layer 2. The Topsoil (A) :a mixture of humus and minerals which are important for supporting plant life 4. Fragmented parent rock (C): broken rock fragments formed when the parent rock is eroded

of 0 oc or lower for at least two years. Permafrost can be found in areas with high latitudes.

6 Permafrost 5. Parent Rock(R):starting point for soil formation Permafrost is soil that has a ground temperature of 0 oc or lower for at least two years. Permafrost can be found in areas with high latitudes. For example: Arctic and Antarctic regions Alpine permafrost can exist at high altitudes in much lower latitudes. For example: western China has 1,500,000 square kilometres of alpine permafrost

7 Permafrost Challenges and concerns associated with the permafrost: 1. Agriculture is impossible 2. Construction is very difficult 3. Greenhouse gas emissions when the active layer thaws Challenges and concerns associated with the permafrost: 1. Agriculture is impossible. The ground is frozen, plants cannot break through the frozen soil for agriculture and water freezes if you try to water your crops Plants that can grow in permafrost areas are small, low to the ground shrubs/grasses with deep roots. Challenges and concerns associated with the permafrost: 2. Construction is very difficult The house itself will heat the ground and defrost is, and then the ground is no longer stable. Often you ll see houses on stilts so that the ground stays frozen. Houses in Alaska Notice how they are on stilts so that the warm houses do not melt the permafrost!

8 Challenges and concerns associated with the permafrost: 3. Greenhouse gas emissions when the active layer thaws (melts) Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) are released when the permafrost thaws because the dead matter stored in the soil will start to decompose as the temperatures increase. EXIT CARD - Due before the end of class What is the difference between mineral and ore?

9 EXIT CARD - Due before the end of class What is the difference between mineral and ore?

Chapter 6 The lithosphere and the hydrosphere

Chapter 6 The lithosphere and the hydrosphere The lithosphere shell of the Earth, consists of crust and upper mantle contains minerals and rocks 1. Minerals solid, inorganic substances with defined composition