Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 2.3
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
Earth system science takes the view that all the ter-
restrial spheres interact in a basic way: the solid
Earth (lithosphere, mantle, and core), atmosphere,
hydrosphere, pedosphere, and biosphere are inter-
dependent (Figure 2.3). From a geomorphological
perspective, a key suggestion of this view is that
denudation processes are a major link between crustal
tectonic processes and the atmosphere and hydro-
sphere (Beaumont et al. 2000). Mantle convection
largely drives tectonic processes, but the denuda-
tional link with the atmosphere-hydrosphere system
has a large effect. In turn, tectonic processes, acting
Intragalactic motions and intragalactic constellation and orbits; intergalactic connections
Sun-planets constellation
and orbits
Earth-Sun constellation
and orbit
Earth-Moon constellation
and orbit
Asteroids, comets,
meteoroids
Rotational and gravitational
changes of the Sun
External gravity
Isolation
changes
Meteoritic
dust
Solar wind
Cosmic rays
Obliquity
ECOSPHERE
ECOSPHERE
Atmosphere
Dust, gases,
water vapour,
heat
Biosphere
Pedosphere
Rotation rate
Hydrosphere
Toposphere
Sea-level
change
Large and
small impacts
Orogeny and
epeirogeny
Disposition of
continents
True polar
wander
Volcanoes
Lithosphere
(plate tectonics processes)
Core and mantle processes
(including growth tectonics, plume tectonics, geothermal energy dissipation;Earth expansion?)
Figure 2.3 Interacting terrestrial spheres and their cosmic and geological settings.
Source: Adapted from Huggett (1991, 1995, 1997)
 
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