lithosphere Flashcards
is the outermost layer
of the Earth, encompassing the crust
and the upper part of the mantle. It is
rigid and brittle, and it is divided into
several tectonic plates.
LITHOSPHERE
was the supercontinent that existed
around 335 million years ago. The concept of
Pangaea is linked to continental drift, proposed
by Alfred Wegener.
Pangaea
large-scale horizontal movements of continents
relative to one another and to the ocean basins
during one or more episodes of geologic time.
Pangaea and Continental Drift
a semi-fluid layer in the Earth’s mantle
located below the lithosphere. It is partially
molten and allows for the movement of
tectonic plates.
Asthenosphere
scientific theory that explains the
movement of the Earth’s lithospheric
plates. It proposes that the Earth’s
lithosphere is divided into several large
plates that move, interact, and cause
geological phenomena (earthquakes)
- Plate Tectonics
3 plate boundaries
❑Divergent Boundaries:
❑ Convergent Boundaries:
❑Transform Boundaries:
Plates move away from each
other.
Divergent Boundaries:
Plates move toward each
other.
Convergent Boundaries:
Plates slide past each
other horizontally
Transform Boundaries:
3 THE
LITHOSPHERE
PLAYS CRUCIAL
ROLES IN
SUPPORTING AND
SUSTAINING LIFE
ON EARTH.
HABITAT FOR LIFE
NUTRIENT CYCLING
GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
it is when The lithosphere
provides the physical
foundation for
terrestrial ecosystems.
Landforms, such as
mountains, valleys,
and plains, create
diverse habitats for
various species.
HABITAT FOR LIFE
it is when Soil, part of the
lithosphere, is essential for
plant growth. It acts as a
medium for plants to
anchor their roots and a
source of essential
minerals and nutrients.
NUTRIENT CYCLING
it is when Earth’s dynamic
processes, such as plate
tectonics, contribute to the
formation of new
landforms and influence
climate patterns. These
processes impact the
distribution and
adaptation of living
organisms.
GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES
6 NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE
LITHOSPHERE
Deforestation
Urbanization and Infrastructure Development
Mining Practices
Soil Erosion
Land Subsidence
Earthquakes Induced by Human Activities
it is the Clearing large areas of forests for
agriculture, logging, or other
purposes disrupts ecosystems
and reduces biodiversity. Many
species lose their natural habitats,
impacting their ability to survive
and reproduce.
Deforestation
it is the Extensive urbanization and
infrastructure development can
lead to habitat loss and
fragmentation. Natural landscapes
are replaced by buildings, roads,
and other structures, reducing the
availability of suitable habitats for
various organisms.
Urbanization
and Infrastructure Development
it is the Extraction of minerals through
mining activities can disrupt the
natural composition of the soil.
Chemicals used in mining
processes may contaminate the
soil, affecting nutrient availability
and the overall health of
ecosystems.
Mining Practices
it is the Human activities such as
deforestation, agriculture, and
construction can lead to increased
soil erosion. Soil erosion disrupts
nutrient-rich topsoil, affecting the
cycling of essential nutrients. This
can result in decreased soil fertility
and negatively impact plant growth.
Soil Erosion
it is the Over-extraction of groundwater or
oil and gas can lead to land
subsidence, where the lithosphere
sinks or collapses. This process
can alter landscapes, impact
habitats, and pose risks to
infrastructure.
Land Subsidence
it is the Certain human activities, such as
hydraulic fracturing (fracking) or
reservoir-induced seismicity from
large dams, can induce
earthquakes. These seismic events
may disrupt the lithosphere,
causing ground shaking, landslides,
and potential habitat destruction.
Earthquakes
Induced by Human Activities
