The configuration of the surface of the earth is largely a product of the processes operating in the interior of the earth. Exogenic as well as endogenic processes are constantly shaping the landscape.
The Crust (SIAL - Silica & Aluminium)
- It is the outermost solid part of the earth.
- It is brittle in nature.
- Oceanic crust is thinner as compared to the continental crust. The mean thickness of oceanic crust is 5 km whereas that of the continental is around 30 km. The continental is as much as 70 km thick in the Himalayan region.
- It is made up of heavier rocks having density of 3 g/cm3. This type of rock found in the oceanic crust is basalt.
- The mean density of material in oceanic crust is 2.7 g/cm3.
The Mantle (SIMA - Silica & Magnesium)
- The portion of the interior beyond the crust is called the mantle.
- The mantle extends from Moho’s discontinuity to a depth of 2,900 km.
- The upper portion of the mantle is called asthenosphere. It is considered to be extending upto 400 km. It is the main source of magma
- It has a density higher than the crust’s (3.4 g/cm3).
- The crust and the uppermost part of the mantle are called lithosphere. Its thickness ranges from 10-200 km.
- The lower mantle extends beyond the asthenosphere. It is in solid state.
The Core (NIFE - Nickel & Iron)
- The outer core is liquid in state while the inner core is in solid state
- The density at the mantle core boundary is 5 g/cm3 while at the centre of the Earth at 6300 km it is 13 g/cm3
- The core is made up of very heavy material mostly constituted by nickel and iron. It is sometimes referred to as the nife layer.
- Earth's mass is mostly composed of - Iron (32.1 %)
- The most abundent element Earth's Crust - Oxygen (46.5 %)
Rocks
Petrology - Science of Rocks
Pedology - Soil Science
Igneous Rock
- Solidified from Magma & Lava
- Consist 40-80 % Silica
- All other rocks originates from these rocks so it is also called Primary Rock
- Examples - Granite, Basalt, Gabbro, Pegmatite, etc
Sedimentary Rock
- Depositions of fragments of rocks by exogenous process & fossil called 'Lithification'
- Holds all reserves of coal, oil & natural gas
- Example - Sandstone, Coglomerate, Limestone, Shale, Loess
Metamorphic Rocks
- Formed under PVT (Pressure, Volume & Temperature)
- Examples - Granite, Marbel, Quartzite, Slate, Gneiss, Schist
Indian Deccan Plateau consists of Basalt rocks
Earthquakes
- Sudden shaking of Earth due to release of Earth's energy from its Crust
- Focus or Hypocentre - Point where energy releases
- Epicentre - Point on the surface, near to Focus
- Lithosphere- Place of all natural earthquake (200 Km Depth)
- "Sismograph" - Instrument that record waves
- "Richter Scale" - Instrument that measures Earthquake
Earthquake Waves
They are of two types :-
i. Body Wave - are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the earth. They are also of two types
- Primary Wave or P wave (Longitudnal)
- Faster & Ist one to arrive surface
- Travels through out Solid, Liquid & Gas
- Travels with the speed of sound
2. Secondary Wave or S wave (Transeverse)
- Travels only in Solids
- Travels half the speed of Sound
ii. Surface Wave - move along the surface. The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser the material, the higher is the velocity.
- Last to report on the graph
- More Distructive
- Velocity is slower than P & S but Duration & Amptitude is very high
- "Shadow Zone" - are place where waves are not reported
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