Geosphere Facts for 5th Graders

What Is the Geosphere? – Definition for 5th Graders

The geosphere is defined as the solid layers that create the Earth. Think about how significantly different molten rocks and minerals are from the sand on the beach and the rocks that you collect-all of these materials create the geosphere.  

Geosphere Facts for 5th Graders

What Is in the Geosphere? – Layers of the Geosphere for Kids

The inside of the Earth is like the layers of an onion. There are four layers, in this order:

1. First, The Crust which is the layer that we live on; it is also known as the outer layer. It is roughly 8-70 kilometres thick and is widely studied by scientists. It consists of two parts:

• The Continental Crust is roughly 30-50 kilometres thick and can reach high temperatures of 500 degree Celsius. It is thicker than the oceanic crust and is made mostly of felsic rocks. Felsic rocks contain silicate minerals and magma etc. 
• The Oceanic Crust is roughly 5-10 kilometres thick and temperatures can reach up to 500 degree Celsius as well. This layer is found under oceans and it is formed when ocean ridges spread and it exposes the melting mantle, which then solidifies when it meets water. 

2. Second, The Mantle which is 2,880 kilometres (1800 miles) thick and consists of semi-molten rocks which is called the magma. The temperature of the mantle varies depending on its location; it’s different when it’s close to the crust (roughly 1300 fahrenheit or 700 degree Celsius) and  (7200-9000 fahrenheit or 4000-5000 degree Celsius) when close to the inner core. 

3. Third, The Outer Core which is 2029 kilometers thick and its temperature is between 7200-9000 Fahrenheit (4000-5000 degree Celsius). This layer has metals like nickel and iron present in it but in liquid form due to the heat. 

4. Fourth and finally, The Inner Core is 2414 kilometers (1500 miles) thick. Its temperature is between 7200-9000 Fahrenheit (4000-5000 degree Celsius). This layer also has metals like iron and nickel present, the pressure on the inner core keeps everything solid despite the heat. 

Examples of the Geosphere – What Makes Up the Geosphere?

Did you know that when you go for a hike or dig in the dirt you are touching the geosphere. Here is a list of things that create the geosphere:

1. Mountains. 
2. Volcanoes. 
3. Continents and ocean floors.
4. Sand.
5. Soil.
6. Rocks.

How Does the Geosphere Interact with Other Earth Systems?

The geosphere is an essential foundation in the Earth’s system, it does not occur in isolation. The Earth system consists of: 

1. The Biosphere – all parts that are inhabited by living things.
2. The Cryosphere – the frozen water on Earth like ice caps, glaciers, snow. 
3. The Hydrosphere – all of the liquid water present on Earth like lakes, rivers, oceans. 
4. The Atmosphere – all layers of gases that surround Earth. 

Volcanoes are a prime example of how the geosphere connects to all of these systems:

• Geosphere to biosphere: Volcanic eruptions disrupt ecosystems but also creates fertile soil that is good for plants.
• Geosphere to cryosphere: When volcanoes erupt they melt and destroy glaciers and ice in the surrounding area, due to its heat. 
• Geosphere to hydrosphere: Volcanoes can create volcanic islands which change ocean currents. 
• Geosphere to atmosphere: When volcanoes erupt they release harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, which causes the air quality and climate to change.  

Why Is the Geosphere Important? – Importance of the Geosphere for Kids

The geosphere is important to us for various reasons such as:

1. Providing resources:

• We grow our food in the soil.
• It provides us with fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas etc. 
• We obtain metals like gold, iron and silver from the geosphere. 

2. Protects life on Earth:

• We get to live on this planet  because the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from space radiation. 
• Creates landscapes that we get to live on. 

3. Shapes this planet:

• The process of weathering breaks down rocks into fertile soil for us.
• The process of erosion creates rivers and canyons for us. 
• Tectonic activities create beautiful mountains and valleys for us. 

Geosphere Facts for 5th Graders

1. Did you know that the Himalayas are growing every single year?
2. Many people don’t know that the geosphere is constantly moving.
3. Did you know that the movement of continents is referred to as continental drift?
4. Did you know that geoscientists study the geosphere?
5. The biosphere interacts with the geosphere through the exchange of materials.
6. Activities like mining and farming alter the geosphere significantly.

Conclusion – What Should You Remember About the Geosphere?

The geosphere is made up of complex layers that create the planet Earth. It is essential to remember that the geosphere connects to everything around us, from the soil that we grow our food in, to the ocean floors. So the next time you see a mineral or a rock, try guessing which layer it came from. 

Frequently Asked Questions

External Links

National Geographic Kids – Structure of the Earth

USGS – Earth’s Interior Layers

NASA – Earth’s Layers

Encyclopedia Britannica – Geosphere

National Park Service – Geosphere Basics