There are three (3) videos for you to watch.
- The first is about Earth's unique place in the solar system
- The second is about Earth's interior - most of the geosphere - and
- The last video is about the workings of the outer part of Earth.
Points of interest
- The geosphere encompasses the solid and molten rocky portions of Earth
- Planet Earth is the third planet from the sun and the largest of the rocky planets
- Three main shells make up the Earth: core, mantle and crust
- Geomagnetism is the result of a liquid outer iron-nickel core convecting around a solid inner iron-nickel core and is fundamental in keeping Earth's atmosphere
- Plate tectonics, where the lithosphere “floats” on the asthenosphere is the main driver producing the features on the surface of the Earth, including volcanism and earthquakes. It is also an important influence on topography and the amalgamation and break up of continental masses over time
Earth's magnetic field is fundamental to the development of life on our planet. why?
- For your interest
The below resources are further information on the Goldilocks Zone and a new theory on how the moon formed.
The geosphere intersects the hydrosphere near and on the Earth's surface. After completing the learning activities below, find out about the watery parts of Earth on the next page.
Learning Activities - Apply what you just learnt
The following learning activities have been designed to help you apply or test what you have just learnt. These are not assessed and are only for your benefit. We would recommend you engage with the OERu Social Network in these learning activities.
- How much bigger is Earth than Mars?
- Mars is one quarter the size of Earth
- Incorrect. Sorry no. The moon is one quarter the size of Earth.
- Mars is the same size as Earth
- Incorrect. Sorry, Earth is the largest of the rocky planets.
- Mars is half the size of Earth
- Correct. Well done. Mars is half the size of Earth.
- Which of the following is furthest from the Earth surface
- Crust
- Incorrect. Unlucky, Try again. Consider revisiting the 2nd video?
- Core
- Correct. Congratulations, you are correct.
- Mantle
- Incorrect. Try revisiting the 2nd video, or attempt to find new resources to try again.
A large part of being a successful learner in an online environment is being able to share thoughts and learning with peers. This learning activity is designed to help you start engaging with the OERu online community through WeNote.
Consider grouping the below statements with the correct portions of the Earth's Geosphere.
For example, if the categories were:
And your statements were:
- The world's game
- Most popular sport in India
- Most popular sport in New Zealand
Your answer, might look like:
- Soccer = 1
- Rugby = 3
- Cricket = 2
- May contain hot plumes
- Is the thickest part of the interior of Earth
- Includes the upper portion of tectonic plates called the lithosphere
- Intersects the hydrosphere and atmosphere
- Generates Earth's magnetic field
- Is made of Iron and Nickel
- Varies between 5 - 70 km thick
- Is mainly made of dense silicate minerals (greater than 2.9g/cm3)
- Part of the upper portion called the asthenosphere contains some molten rock.
Note: Your comment will be displayed in the course feed.
