Earth’s Spheres
Which two spheres interact when ocean waves shape cliffs along the coast?
Geosphere & Hydrosphere – the waves (water) wear down coastal rock.
Which layer of the Earth is solid iron and nickel?
Inner core.
What type of rock forms from cooling magma or lava?
Igneous rock.
What is the main source of energy that drives convection in the mantle?
Heat from Earth’s core.
How does deforestation increase erosion?
Removing roots leaves the soil unstable, which allows rain to wash it away.
When a forest fire releases smoke, which two spheres are directly involved?
Biosphere & Atmosphere – burning plants release gases into the air.
Why does the outer core being liquid matter for life on Earth?
Its motion creates the magnetic field
Explain how sedimentary rock can eventually turn into metamorphic rock.
Heat and pressure alter its minerals and texture.
Why do earthquakes mostly occur at plate boundaries?
Stress builds as plates move and suddenly release.
Explain one way climate change can impact the rock cycle.
Melting ice & changing rainfall alter weathering and sediment rates.
Explain how the biosphere affects the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
Plants absorb CO₂ and release O₂, helping balance Earth’s gases.
Describe what happens to mantle material as it gets hotter near the core.
It expands, becomes less dense, and rises upward.
Magma to LAVA!!!!!!!
Which process breaks down rocks into sediments?
Weathering and erosion.
How does heat transfer from Earth’s core to its surface?
Through convection and conduction.
Why is understanding the spheres important for solving environmental problems?
It shows how actions in one sphere affect all others (e.g., pollution, erosion).
If a volcano erupts, name three spheres that interact and how.
Geosphere (lava), Atmosphere (ash & gas), Biosphere (life impacts).
How do convection currents in the mantle move the continents?
Rising and sinking rock drags tectonic plates.
Why do scientists say “rocks recycle”?
They continuously change form through melting, cooling, and compaction.
When magma rises and cools, how is energy transformed?
Thermal energy → mechanical → potential as rock solidifies.
Describe how a volcanic eruption could affect global temperatures.
Ash clouds block sunlight → temporary global cooling.
How could human construction disturb the balance between the geosphere and hydrosphere?
Removes vegetation → increases runoff & erosion, changing water flow.
Predict what might happen if the mantle stopped moving.
No plate motion → no volcanoes or mountain building; Earth cools.
A geologist finds tiny crystals. What type of rock is this?
Extrusive Igneous Rocks
If the inner core cooled completely, what chain reaction would happen?
Convection stops → no plate movement → weak magnetic field → greater radiation exposure.
Imagine you’re an engineer designing a city what should you consider about the 4 spheres to make it sustainable?
Protect air, soil, water, and living systems to keep them in balance.