ENVIRONMENTAL
GEOLOGY
NOTES
GEL1503
COMPILED BY PABALLO
, STUDY UNIT 1: THE EARTH’S SYSTEM
The earth – is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened
at the poles and bulging at the equator.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE
1. Atmosphere – layer of gases surrounding the earth that supports life, regulates
climate and protects living organisms from harmful radiation.
2. Hydrosphere – comprises all water on earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes and
ground water. It plays a vital role in regulating climate and supporting various
ecosystem.
3. Lithosphere – the solid outer layer of the earth. It provides the foundation for
terrestrial habitats and is a source of essential resources, such as minerals and
fuels.
4. Biosphere – encompass all living organisms on earth. It interacts with the
atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere to drive nutrient cycles, influence
climate, and shape the physical environment.
DIFFERENT LAYERS OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE
1. Crust
2. Mantle
3. Core
EARTH’S SURFACE CONTRIBUTION TO BIODIVERSITY AND HABITATS
The diverse terrain and ecosystems found on earth’s surface including forests,
grasslands, desserts and wetlands provide habitats for a wide range of species,
contributing to global biodiversity.
THE IMPACT OF TECTONIC PLATES
Tectonic plates – are large rigid pieces of the earth’s lithosphere that move
and interact with each other at plate boundaries.
Their movement can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes and
volcanic activity.
IMPACT OF EROSION AND WEATHERING
Erosion and weathering are natural processes that breakdown and transport
rock and soil, shaping the earth’s surface over time. They create landforms
such as valleys, canyons and coastlines.
ROLE PLAYED BY RIVERS AND GLACIERS IN SHAPING THE EARTH’S
SURFACE.
Rivers carve out valleys and canyons through erosion, while glaciers modify
the landscape by eroding and depositing sediments, forming features like
moraines, u-shaped valleys and fjords.
GEOLOGY
NOTES
GEL1503
COMPILED BY PABALLO
, STUDY UNIT 1: THE EARTH’S SYSTEM
The earth – is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened
at the poles and bulging at the equator.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE
1. Atmosphere – layer of gases surrounding the earth that supports life, regulates
climate and protects living organisms from harmful radiation.
2. Hydrosphere – comprises all water on earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes and
ground water. It plays a vital role in regulating climate and supporting various
ecosystem.
3. Lithosphere – the solid outer layer of the earth. It provides the foundation for
terrestrial habitats and is a source of essential resources, such as minerals and
fuels.
4. Biosphere – encompass all living organisms on earth. It interacts with the
atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere to drive nutrient cycles, influence
climate, and shape the physical environment.
DIFFERENT LAYERS OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE
1. Crust
2. Mantle
3. Core
EARTH’S SURFACE CONTRIBUTION TO BIODIVERSITY AND HABITATS
The diverse terrain and ecosystems found on earth’s surface including forests,
grasslands, desserts and wetlands provide habitats for a wide range of species,
contributing to global biodiversity.
THE IMPACT OF TECTONIC PLATES
Tectonic plates – are large rigid pieces of the earth’s lithosphere that move
and interact with each other at plate boundaries.
Their movement can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes and
volcanic activity.
IMPACT OF EROSION AND WEATHERING
Erosion and weathering are natural processes that breakdown and transport
rock and soil, shaping the earth’s surface over time. They create landforms
such as valleys, canyons and coastlines.
ROLE PLAYED BY RIVERS AND GLACIERS IN SHAPING THE EARTH’S
SURFACE.
Rivers carve out valleys and canyons through erosion, while glaciers modify
the landscape by eroding and depositing sediments, forming features like
moraines, u-shaped valleys and fjords.
