Ch 3: Understanding Earth's Spheres & Internal Structure
About This Chapter
Understanding Earth's Spheres & Internal Structure - Chapter Summary
This short chapter makes it simple to gain full comprehension of Earth's spheres and internal structure. Review fun lessons to learn about the dynamic Earth, interactions of Earth's spheres, Earth's internal layers and more. Once you've completed this chapter, you will be able to:
- Describe the internal and external forces that shape Earth's surface
- List and discuss the four spheres of the Earth
- Explain the purpose of interactions between Earth's spheres
- Identify and describe Earth's internal layers
- Discuss how scientists study the interior structure of the Earth
View one, several or all lessons in this chapter to improve your understanding of Earth's spheres and internal structure. Review the lessons in your sequence of choice, and visit them as many times as you'd like. Before, during or after examining the lessons, feel free to test your knowledge of their contents by taking short quizzes. If you have questions about topics covered in this chapter, be sure to submit them to our experts via the Dashboard.
1. The Dynamic Earth: Internal & External Forces that Shape Earth's Surface
There are many geologic processes that shape the surface of the Earth. Not only do they build and destroy a variety of landscapes, but they also give us clues to the interior of the Earth and the forces that exist there.
2. The Four Spheres of Earth: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Atmosphere
Earth is made up of four distinct yet connect spheres. In this video lesson, you will learn about where each sphere is found on Earth, as well as some features commonly found in each.
3. Interactions of Earth's Spheres: Purpose and Examples
The four spheres of Earth drive all of its processes and support life on our unique planet. In this video lesson, you will see examples of how Earth's spheres interact with each other to form an overall complex and connected system.
4. Earth's Internal Layers: Crust, Mantle & Core
Earth is made up of several different layers, each with unique properties. In this video lesson, you will identify each layer of Earth and how it relates to Earth as a whole.
5. How Scientists Study Earth's Interior Structure
We can't see what Earth's interior is made of, but scientists are able to study it in other ways. In this video lesson, you will learn how seismic activity helps us understand and describe the inner layers of the earth.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the FTCE Earth & Space Science 6-12 (008): Test Practice & Study Guide course
- Scientific Research & Analysis for Earth and Space Science
- Earth Science Research & Society
- Rocks & Minerals
- The Lithosphere
- Processes of Earth's Surface
- Geological Time
- Overview of Energy Resources
- Effects of Humans on the Environment
- Ocean & Coastal Processes
- The Atmosphere
- Weather and Storms
- Astronomical Objects & Processes
- Space Exploration
- FTCE Earth & Space Science 6-12 Flashcards
