Structure and Dynamics of Geophysical Systems

1. Earth is a system comprised of interacting subsystems. (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere)
   1. Changes in one system may affect other systems directly or indirectly.
   2. The subsystems interact through the water cycle, rock cycle, weather and plate tectonics.
2. Earth is a dynamic system.
   1. Some constructional forces build up Earth’s surface raising the crust and building new land forms.
   2. Some forces build up, some break down Earth’s surface.
3. Uneven heating of Earth’s surface produces weather systems. Over time, weather patterns produce climate
4. The Theory of Plate Tectonics can be used to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, mid-ocean ridges, and deep sea trenches.
   1. According to the Theory of Plate Tectonics, the crust of Earth is made up of pieces called plates that float on the mantle.
   2. When one plate slides under the other, earthquakes zones develop.
   3. When two plates collide, the crust of Earth moves upward creating folding, and faulting of mountains.
   4. As new crust made of younger rock is formed, the ocean floor spreads, causing the plates to move.
   5. Some changes such as mountain building and plate movements take place over hundreds of millions of years and can only be understood by looking at evidence of topography, fossils, rock stratification, ice cores, and/or radioactive data.
5. Earth is a system in which chemical elements exist in fixed amounts and move the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and living things as part of geochemical cycles.
6. Evolution of life on Earth has changed the composition of Earth’s atmosphere through time.

Origin, Evolution, and Structure of the Universe

1. Stars can be described by their physical and chemical characteristics (color, size, magnitude, stage of development, and composition).
2. The apparent motion of stars is caused by the revolution and rotation of Earth.
3. Our solar system coalesced from a nebular cloud of gas and dust left from exploding stars.
4. Theories about the origin of the Universe are supported by evidence such as red shift, and the big bang theory.