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Unit A: The Solid Earth

The Layered Earth: Lesson Key Concepts. Unit A, The Solid Earth.A1: Earth as a System. How is studying the different components of Earth and their interactions with each other important? Key Concepts. A system is made up of a number of interdependent, interacting parts that act together to form a complex whole. The geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere come together to form the Earth system. A2: Earth's Layered Structure. What powers the internal processes that produce volcanoes, earthquakes and mountains?. Key Concepts. Earth's internal heat powers convection in the mantle and this causes the plates to move across Earth surface and interact with one another. Advances in seismology, computer modeling, and mineralogy and crystallography at high temperatures and pressures give insights into the internal composition and structure of the Earth. A3: Oceans and Continents. How do continental and oceanic crust differ?. Key Concepts. Differences in composition and density define the nature and behaviour of oceanic and continental crust. The largest features of the continents can be divided into two categories: mountain belts and the stable interior. The ocean floor is divided into three major topographic units: continental margins, deep-ocean basins, and oceanic ridges.