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The Geosphere
Earth is made up of systems. These systems work together. They affect each other and all organisms. One system is called the geosphere. What is the geosphere? How does the geosphere work with other systems? Why is the geosphere important?

What Is the Geosphere?
The geosphere makes it possible for us to stand! Without this system, the earth would have no solid ground. So, the geosphere refers to the solid parts of our planet. These include soil and sediment.

Where is the geosphere? It is inside our planet. The geosphere includes rocks and minerals. Some of these rocks may be molten. This means that they are melted like lava from volcanoes. The minerals may be those that nourish our body, like calcium. Minerals may also be ones that people wear as jewelry, like diamonds.


Rocks and minerals, like these turquoise nuggets, are part of the geosphere.
Also, the geosphere contains landscapes. These landscapes shape our planet. For example, the Rocky Mountains are a type of landscape. So is the Grand Canyon. Forests and deserts are other types of landscapes. All of these features add beauty to our planet.

Landscapes also provide habitats for living creatures. Snow leopards, mountain lions, and bison all depend on mountain landscapes for shelter. Camels and giraffes count on the desert.


Land animals, like this mountain lion, rely on the geosphere for shelter.
The earth’s interior goes far deeper than just mountains and deserts. The inner layers of the planet, below the landscapes, are the crust, the mantle and the core. Think of these layers like a chocolate cake! The icing on top of the cake is the earth’s crust. The cake inside is the mantle. The inner layers of filling are the core. But they don’t taste like chocolate!


Diagram showing the layers of the geosphere
The Geosphere and Other Earth Systems
Earth also has a biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. All of these spheres work together with each other. For example, mountains and valleys can affect the atmosphere (gases including air). Since mountains are so high, their height can slow air down. When this happens, clouds may form. This may lead to harsh weather like snowstorms.


Mountains can affect weather patterns.
The geosphere also works with other systems to provide important resources for life. Plants depend on nutrients from the soil of the geosphere. Animals depend on the geosphere for protection from the weather and to make their habitats. The geosphere works with other systems to support all life on Earth.

The Importance of the Geosphere
We would not be able to stand without the geosphere. But we also would not be able to sit! There would be no solid ground for our chairs. Without the geosphere, the earth would have no foundation. The geosphere plays an important role in the formation of our planet. Also, the geosphere works with other systems. It affects our everyday lives. The geosphere affects weather patterns and the air we breathe. Finally, the geosphere keeps the planet beautiful with plants and animals.

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Questions
Which detail from the text shows that we could not survive without the geosphere?

Earth is made up of systems.

The earth’s interior goes far deeper than just mountains and deserts.

The geosphere makes it possible for us to stand! Without this system, the earth would have no solid ground.

Earth also has a biosphere.
Which of the following statements are direct quotes from the text? Select three.

We would not be able to stand without the geosphere.

The geosphere is an incredibly important part of the earth, without which we could never, ever survive.

Think of these layers like a chocolate cake!

But they don’t taste like chocolate!
What makes the geosphere different from other spheres of the earth?

The geosphere is the layers of rock and the landscapes that make up the solid part of the earth.

The geosphere includes many different spheres, such as the atmosphere and the biosphere.

The geosphere refers to all the gases in the air.

The geosphere is made up only of ice.
What happens when mountains and valleys interact with air from the atmosphere?

The mountains and valleys turn into ice.

The mountains and valleys make homes for people.

The mountains and valleys can break down rocks.

The mountains and valleys can affect and create weather patterns.
Please answer all questions

Answer 1

1) The geosphere makes it possible for us to stand! Without this system, the earth would have no solid ground.

2) Direct quotes (select three):
- We would not be able to stand without the geosphere.
- Think of these layers like a chocolate cake!
- But they don’t taste like chocolate!

3) The geosphere is the layers of rock and the landscapes that make up the solid part of the earth.

4) The mountains and valleys can affect and create weather patterns.