Anyone who studied at school knows that the geosphere is a layer inside and outside the planet, which can have different composition and properties. There are several such layers. In our article, we will try to briefly describe what the main geospheres are, how they differ and what is their function. Such general information will be of interest not only to people who professionally study the structure of the Earth's layers, but also to a simple reader for general development.
General concept and types
The formation of the planet occurred through the differentiation of substances, resulting in the formation of layers with different characteristics and purposes. As already mentioned, the geosphere is just such a layer. It is interesting to consider the planet in the context. If we start to disassemble the shells of the Earth's geosphere from the inside, we can see the following picture:
- The innermost layer of the planet is the core.
- A mantle is located around the core.
- Next layeris directly the earth's crust.
- In addition, water and air shells arose during the formation process. In addition, the planet has its own magnetic and gravitational field.
Each layer differs from the other mainly in the density of the elements that make up its composition. The densest layer is located in the center of the Earth, and as you move away from the middle, the density decreases. All layers exist in a clear relationship with each other. One layer penetrates another, and we can observe the presence of one layer in another, and so on. It is impossible to talk about the isolation of the geospheres, because they are all closely interconnected. And we will understand this connection when we consider each layer separately. Many will be surprised to understand that the geosphere is what is around us.
Core
This layer is the densest formation. This is, so to speak, the inner geosphere of the planet, and it is located in its very center. If we evaluate the appearance of the core, then it is a ball that has a thickness of more than two thousand kilometers. The composition of the core has a liquid formation, which contains molten iron, nickel and sulfur. The radius of this layer is about three and a half thousand kilometers. Moreover, the core has two parts: internal and external. Their temperature is so high that it is difficult to reproduce this in reality - more than 4 thousand degrees.
Experts explain that the core plays the role of a dynamo for the planet. How does this happen? Liquid formation inside the Earth is constantly moving due to its rotation aroundaxes. This movement of the core is the reason for the presence of a magnetic field around the planet. Geologists still continue to study all the features of this hot heart of the Earth.
Robe
When discussing the earth's geosphere, the next thing to mention is the mantle. This layer occupies the largest part of the planet - almost two-thirds of its entire mass. She also has a top and bottom. If translated into kilometers, then the lower part takes up to two thousand kilometers, and the upper one - a little less than a thousand kilometers. Geologists have long collected information about what these two mantles are made of. They took samples from the bowels of the Earth and from the bottom of the ocean, and came to the following conclusions:
- the mantle contains silicates and iron;
- in structure, the mantle is in the form of crystals, which are in this state only due to high pressure; otherwise, high temperatures (over 2500 degrees) would lead to melting;
- the upper mantle is in a liquid state, or rather its lower part; this layer is a kind of bedding for the lithosphere, which seems to float on the surface of the mantle.
In general, all these layers are quite mobile relative to each other and can change their state from rigid to plastic depending on the loads.
Lithosphere
The next geosphere in turn is the lithosphere. This layer lies on the mantle and is about a hundred kilometers thick. We know this part of the planet as the earth's crust. It is characterized by great rigidity along with excessive fragility. Granites and bas alts make it up fromtop to bottom. The relief of the bark is divided into two parts:
- oceanic,
- continental.
These two species differ from each other in composition and structure. If we consider the continental type of the lithosphere, then its upper layer mainly consists of elements such as oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. It can be said that this part includes granitic rocks, but bas alt magmas are located deeper. The oceanic part has always been below the level of the world ocean, which means that it has not been affected by the changes that the terrestrial part has undergone in the process of evolution. The closer the oceanic plate is to the continent, the greater its thickness. Soil is what lies on the surface of the lithosphere. It appears after the influence of a number of factors. It is this layer that strives for proper interaction with the environment.
Hydrosphere
This geosphere is what we call the water shell of the planet. This includes all water on Earth, in whatever state it may be: liquid, solid, gaseous. This is a continuous layer, as water forms a cycle. This layer is represented on the planet by seas, oceans, lakes and rivers, groundwater and glaciers. Water has a unique climate-forming property on the planet.
Atmosphere
And, of course, when describing the geospheres of the Earth, one cannot ignore the atmosphere. This is the very layer of air that we need so much for life. It is this layer that scientists and ecologists have been talking about so often lately. The composition of this sphere is approximatelylike this:
- 78% - nitrogen;
- 21% - oxygen;
- 1% - inert gases, hydrogen, carbon dioxide.
As these numbers change, climate change and problems begin for the inhabitants of the planet. Just such a balance of numbers is needed for proper life on the planet.
The atmosphere also has several parts that differ in their characteristics. The main defining characteristics are the temperature and pressure indicators in each layer. So, there are such layers in the composition of the atmosphere:
- troposphere;
- stratosphere;
- ionosphere;
- mesosphere;
- thermosphere;
- exosphere.
All layers are interconnected, and all need to be taken care of for the good of life on our planet. The bad state of one geosphere will necessarily affect the property of another sphere, and as a result, the balance will be disturbed.
