Chapter 8 The Dynamic Planet

Elemental Geosystems 5e

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen

The Dynamic Planet

The Pace of Change  

Earth’s Structure and Internal Energy  

The Geologic Cycle    

Plate Tectonics  

The Pace of Change  Geologic Time Scale

Uniformitarianism

Geologic Time Scale

Figure 8.1

Earth’s Structure and Internal Energy  

Earth in Cross SectionEarth’s core  

Earth’s magnetism

Earth’s mantle  

Lithosphere and crust  

Earth in Cross Section

Figure 8.2

Earth’s Interior

Figure 8.2

Earth’s Interior

Figure 8.2

Figure 8.2

Earth’s Interior

Core to Crust

Figure 8.3

Isostatic Adjustment

Figure 8.4

The Geologic CycleThe Rock Cycle  

Igneous processes  

Sedimentary processes  

Metamorphic processes  

The Geologic Cycle

Figure 8.5

Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks

By definition a mineral is/hasNaturally occurring

Inorganic solid

Ordered internal molecular structure

Definite chemical composition

RockA solid aggregate of minerals

Cubic Crystals of Pyrite

Figure 1.7 A

Elemental Abundances in Continental Crust

Figure 1.14

Mineral Groups

SilicatesMost important mineral group

Comprise most rock-forming mineralsVery abundant due to large % of silicon and

oxygen in Earth’s crust

Silicon-oxygen tetrahedronFundamental building blockFour oxygen ions surrounding a much

smaller silicon ion

Table 1.1

Quartz (SiO2) Exhibits a Variety of Colors

The Rock Cycle

Figure 8.6

Igneous Rock Types

Figure 8.7

Intrusive and Extrusive Rocks

Figure 8.8

Course-Grained Igneous Texture

Figure 2.4 B

Sedimentary Rock Types

Figure 8.9

Metamorphic Rocks

Figure 8.12

Plate Tectonics  A Brief History  Sea-Floor Spreading and Production of New Crust  Subduction of the Crust  The Formation and Breakup of Pangaea  Plate Boundaries  Earthquake and Volcanic Activity  Hot Spots

Crustal Movements

Figure 8.13

Continents Adrift

Figure 8.15

Magnetic Reversals

Figure 8.14

Ocean Floor

Figure 8.17

Earth’s Major Plates

Figure 8.16

Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Figure 8.18

Hot Spot Tracks

Figure 8.19

End of Chapter 8

Elemental Geosystems 5e

Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen