Chapter 3: THE EARTH SYSTEMLearning Target Vocabulary Word Definition Facts or Examples Symbol/PictureLesson 1

I can identify and describe the main components of the Earth system . . .

System A group of parts that work together to

perform a function or produce a result

There is a constant flow of matter through

different parts of the Earth, like the water cycle and rock cycle.

Energy The ability to do work. Energy that drives the Earth system has two main sources: heat

from the sun and heat flowing out of Earth as

it cools.

Atmosphere Relatively thin envelope or layer of gases that

forms Earth’s outermost layer.

78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% other gases

Geosphere The metal core, solid middle layer and rocky outer layer of the Earth.

Hydrosphere All of the Earth’s water including ground water

and surface water

Surface water: 3% Fresh water in rivers,

lakes, streams, ponds, and glaciers, 97% salt

water in oceans.

Biosphere The parts of Earth that contain living organisms.

I can summarize the effects of

constructive and destructive forces . . .

Constructive forces

Forces that shape the land’s surface by

building up mountains and other land masses.

Ex. Volcanoes spew lava that hardens into rock; Earthquakes can lift up mountains and

rocks.

Destructive forces

Forces that destroy and wear away landmasses

by weathering or erosion.

Ex. Erosion – wearing down and carrying

away of land by water, ice or wind.

Lesson 2

I can explain how geologists learn

about Earth’s inner structures . .

.

Rock samplesSamples of rock brought up from drilled holes 12.3 km deep or from volcanoes blasting rock from 100 km deep.

This is direct evidence.

Seismic wavesWaves produced by

earthquakes, the speed & paths they take give

clues about Earth’s interior

This is indirect evidence.

I can identify the characteristics of

Earth’s crust, mantle, and core, & describe how

temperature and pressure change inside Earth. . .

Pressure A force pressing down on an area

The deeper down inside Earth, the greater the

pressure. (Temperature also increases)

Crust Layer of rock that forms Earth’s outer skin

Main elements are Oxygen & Silicon,

varies from 5-40 km for most areas, up to 80 km for mountains,

thinnest on ocean floor.

Basalt Dark, fine-grained rock Oceanic crust is much like basalt

Granite Light, coarse-grained rock

Continental crust is much like granite

Mantle A layer of hot, solid rock found under the crust.

About 3,000 km thick, made up of layers.

Lithosphere Crust and uppermost part of the mantle

Strong, hard, rigid rock.

Asthenosphere

Below the lithosphere, hotter and more

pressure

Less rigid area of rock, can bend

Mesosphere Below the asthenosphere,

includes the lower mantle

Hot and more rigid

Outer Core Layer of molten (melted) metal

surrounding the inner core, below the mantle.

Liquid - 2,558 km thick

Inner Core Dense ball of solid metal (iron & nickel)

Radius of ball is 1,222 km thick.

Lesson 3

I can explain how heat is

transferred . . .

Radiation Transfer of energy that is carried in

electromagnetic rays like light

Ex. Outside of car gets hot from sun’s rays

Conduction Heat transfer between materials that are

touching each other

Ex. When you touch the door handle of the car, the heat is felt by your hand.

ConvectionHeat transfer by the movement of a fluid

(liquid or gas)

Ex. When you open the car door, hot air rushes out to warm you.

I can describe convection currents in Earth’s mantle . . .

Convection currents

The flow that transfers heat within a fluid.

Heating and cooling a fluid changed the

density and the force of gravity to cause a

convection current to have motion.

Heat from the core and mantle cause

convection currents in the mantle. Warm rock rises (less density) &

cool rock sinks (greater density)

Learning Targets Chapter 3

Lesson 1

I can identify and describe the main components of the Earth system. . .

The Earth system has four main spheres: the _________________________, the _________________, the ______________________m and the _____________________________.

As a major source of energy for Earth processes, the _______ can be considered part of the Earth system as well.

I can summarize the effects of constructive and destructive forces . . .

Lands are constantly being created and ______________ by competing forces. _________________________ forces shape the land’s surface by building up ________________________ and other landmasses. _________________________ forces destroy and wear away landmasses through processes like ___________________ and ________________________.

Lesson 2

I can explain how geologists learn about Earth’s inner structures . . .

Geologists have used two main types of evidence to learn about Earth’s interior: direct evidence from _________________________________ and indirect evidence from _______________________________.

I can identify the characteristics of Earth’s crust, mantle, and core, and describe how temperature and pressure change inside Earth . . .

The deeper down inside Earth, the ________________ the pressure. The ______________________ inside Earth _______________ as depth increases.

The three main layers of the Earth are the ______________________, _____________________ and ____________________. The ________________ is a layer of solid rock that includes dry ______________ and ocean ________________. The ________________ is about 3,000 km thick and is made of very _________, _____________ rock. The ________________ is mostly _______________ and nickel. It consists of a _________________ outer core and a _________________ inner core.

Lesson 3

I can explain how heat is transferred . . .

There are three types of heat transfer, _________________________, ___________________________ and __________________________.

I can describe convection currents in Earth’s mantle . . .

Heating and cooling of a fluid, changes the fluid’s _________________________ and the force of _________________ combine to set ______________________ ____________________ in motion

Heat from the _____________ and the ________________ itself causes convection currents in the mantle.