The Geosphere

Earth's geosphere is made up of layers: the crust, mantle, and core. The crust is the solid outer layer of Earth and beneath the crust is the mantle, which is solid on top and soft below. The core is at the very center of Earth and made of metals, soft on the outside and solid at the center. Big and small events change the geosphere. Magma from volcanoes creates mountains and other landforms as it cools. Earthquakes cause the crust and upper mantle to shift, creating valleys, waterways, and mountains. Wind blows sand around to create dunes. Erosion of rocks and soil occurs when water, wind, or ice wears them away, changing the geosphere. Glaciers change the landscape when they carry rocks beneath them that grind down the land underneath. Animals change the geosphere by digging holes in the Earth, making trails, and building dams. Resources that we use to power cars and make batteries and to heat our homes come from the geosphere. The history of Earth is revealed by layers of rocks and fossils in the crust. Pronunciation guide. 24 pages filled with engaging, colorful illustrations. Reading Level 1-3, Interest Level 2-5.