Earth's Geological Processes, Plate Tectonics, and Geosphere Resources

1. Geological Processes: Origin and Types

1.1 External Geological Processes

• Source:
  • Solar energy
• Type:
  • Weathering: Action of the atmosphere
  • Erosion: Separation of fragments and soil disturbance
  • Transport: Movement of these fragments in favor of gravity

1.2 Internal Geological Processes

• Source:
  • Geothermal energy inside the Earth
• Type:
  • Orogenic Movements: Horizontal displacement
  • Epirogenic Movements: The rise and decline with increasing mass of the Earth's crust

2. Plate Tectonics

• Structure based on geochemical and dynamic models:

• Source of plate movement:
  • Two scenarios:

1. Convection currents or flaring rims creating constructive boundaries.
2. Push and pull by the weight of the plates.

• Divergent or Constructive Boundaries:
  • Mid-ocean ridges
  • Faults
• Convergent or Destructive Boundaries:
  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Earthquakes

3. Resources of the Geosphere

3.1 Non-Renewable Resources

• Coal:
  • Source: Transformation of organic molecules into carbon
  • Advantages: Extraction from open ground; energy is obtained in thermal power plants
  • Disadvantages: Energy production causes CO2 and sulfur emissions; waste pollutes the soil and groundwater
• Oil:
  • Source: Decomposition of organic matter from marine plankton
  • Advantages: Obtaining a variety of products; removal is simpler than coal
  • Disadvantages: Generation of many pollutants; high risk of marine pollution
• Natural Gas:
  • Source: Associated with oilfields
  • Advantages: Cheap and simple extraction; no solid particles generated in combustion
  • Disadvantages: Limited reserves; CO2 emissions

3.2 Renewable Resources

• Geothermal Energy:
  • Source: The heat energy produced by the Earth
  • Advantages: No contamination; cheap
  • Disadvantages: You need help from groundwater; groundwater extraction can cause subsidence

4. Volcanism

• Concept of a Volcano:
  • There is magma.
  • There are fractures that allow the exit of the magma.
• Materials Thrown from a Volcano:
  • Gases
  • Lava
  • Blocks or bombs
  • Ash