SUBSYSTEM OF THE

EARTH
 EARTH’S SPHERE
Our planet is composed of four
interacting subsystem, commonly
referred to as “spheres”. Although
theses spheres are divided for
analyses, purposes, the four domains
are well-integrated and function in
conjunction with each other making
Earth a dynamically active and living
planet.
 GEOLOGY
Begins with the study of rocks and minerals.
Why do we study rocks?
 Every rocks contain clue about the
environments in which is formed.
 Rock contains information about
events occurred Earth’s long history.
 GEOSPHERE
(SOLID EARTH)
• 94 % of the Earth is
composed of the
elements oxygen,
silicon, iron and
magnesium.

• The solid portion of the

planet.
 Earth’s Layers
• The three main
layers make up
Earth’s interior:

• The crust
• The mantle
• The core
CRUST
• Outer layer of earth

• Consist of oceanic and

continental crust

• Oceanic is made of basalt-a

dense, dark, fine coursed
rock.

• Continental is made of
granite.
 MANTLE
• Largest part of earth’s
makeup.

• Consist of lithosphere
and Asthenosphere.

• Lithosphere: The upper

most mantle and the
crust form a solid rigid.
CORE
• Inner core – dense
iron and nickel, solid
ball

• Outer core- molten

iron and nickel.

• Shields earth from

harmful radiation
from the sun.
GEOSPHERE: interaction with other
earth system components
• Atmosphere –
volcanism spews
significant
amount of gases
into the
atmosphere.
GEOSPHERE: interaction with other
earth system components

• Hydrosphere –
the formation of
minerals involve
incorporation or
release of water.
GEOSPHERE: interaction with other
earth system components
• Biosphere –
nutrients released
from rocks during
their breakdown
are dissolved in
water.