Introduction to Earth and Environmental Systems
Topic: The Restless Earth
Course: IRS-503
MUHAMMAD REZAUL RAKIB
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT
JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY
Introduction: The Restless Earth
Dynamic Earth Tectonic Plates
• Our planet's surface is not • The Earth's crust is broken
static, but constantly into large plates, constantly
evolving. moving.
Rock Deformation: The S hape of Our World
1 Definition 2 S tress Types
Changes in the shape or volume Compressional, tensional, and shear
of rocks in response to stress. stresses cause rock deformation.
Types of Rock Deformation
Elastic Plastic
Rocks return to their Rocks deform
original shape when permanently, but do
stress is released. not break.
Fracturing
Rocks break or fracture due to stress.
Folding and Faulting:
Shaping the Landscape
Folding Faulting
Bending of rock layers Breaking of rocks due to
due to compressional tensional or shear stress.
stress.
Earthquakes: The Earth's
Tremors
1 What
Sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust.
2 Why
Caused by movement along faults.
Seismic Waves: The
Messengers of Earthquakes
Body Waves
Travel through the Earth's interior.
Surface Waves
Travel along the Earth's surface.
Measuring Earthquakes:
Understanding Their Power
9 10
Magnitude Intensity
Measures the energy released. Measures the effects on
people and structures.
Earthquakes: Forces of Nature
Destructive Impacts Historical Examples
• Ground shaking San Francisco, 1906
• Liquefaction Tohoku, 2011
• Tsunamis
Earth's Layered Structure
Crust Mantle
Thin, outermost layer Thick, rocky layer
Core
Outer: liquid iron and nickel
Inner: solid iron and nickel
The Power of Convection
1 Mantle Convection 2 Plate Tectonics
Heat flow drives currents Convection drives plates
Peering into the Earth
Seismic Waves
Analyzing wave patterns
Drilling
Direct sampling
Volcanic Activity
Studying magma composition
Early Theories: Continental
Drift
1 Alfred Wegener (1912)
Proposed continents were once joined
Major Tectonic Plates:
2 Evidence 1. Pacific Plate
Fossil distribution, matching geology 2. North American Plate
3. Eurasian Plate
4. African Plate
5. South American Plate
6. Antarctic Plate
7. Indo-Australian Plate
8. Nazca Plate
Notable Minor Tectonic Plates:
1.Juan de Fuca Plate
2.Cocos Plate 9. Indian Plate
3.Philippine Sea Plate 10.Tasman Plate
4.Arabian Plate 11.Nazca Plate
5.Scotia Plate 12.Woodlark Plate
6.Auckland Plate 13.Falkland Plate
7.Bismarck Plate 14.Gorda Plate
8.Caribbean Plate 15.Somali Plate
16.Pacific Plate (smaller subplates such as the Explorer Plate and Manus
Plate)
Expanding the Theory
Harry Hess Magnetic Stripes
Proposed seafloor spreading Evidence of paleomagnetism
The Modern View
Tectonic Plates
1
Lithosphere
2
Rigid outer layer
Asthenosphere
3
Partially molten layer
The Science of Plate Tectonics
A fundamental concept in geology, explaining how Earth's outer layer is divided into large moving plates.
Theory Evidence
Proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th Seafloor spreading, magnetic anomalies, and
century, the theory of continental drift. the fit of continents.
Divergent Boundaries: Where Plates Pull Apart
These boundaries mark areas where new crust is created as magma rises from the mantle.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge Rift Valleys
A major underwater mountain range where new oceanic Continental rifts form when plates pull apart, creating
crust is formed. valleys and volcanic activity.
Convergent Boundaries: Where Plates
Collide
These boundaries are characterized by destructive forces, where plates collide and one is forced under the other.
Subduction Zones
1 Denser oceanic plates sink beneath less dense continental plates.
Mountain Building
2
The collision of continental plates creates mountain ranges.
Examples
3
Himalayas, Andes Mountains.
Transform Boundaries: Where Plates Slide Past
Each Other
These boundaries are marked by horizontal movement, often resulting in earthquakes.
Fault Lines Earthquakes
Major breaks in Earth's crust where movement occurs. The sudden release of energy along fault lines.
Predicting Earthquakes
While predicting earthquakes with pinpoint accuracy remains a
challenge, scientists are constantly refining methods.
1 Challenges
Complex processes, unpredictable timing, limited data.
2 Modern Methods
Seismic monitoring, GPS, and geological studies.
3 Early Warning Systems
Alerting populations to impending earthquakes,
providing precious seconds for action.
Human Impact on Earth's
Dynamics
Human activities can influence Earth's dynamics, with both positive
and negative consequences.
Induced Seismicity Mitigation Strategies
Fracking and wastewater Earthquake-resistant
disposal can trigger buildings, early warning
earthquakes. systems, and responsible
resource management.
Understanding Earth's Dynamics: A Vital Pursuit
Understanding Earth's dynamics is essential for disaster preparedness, resource management, and
understanding the intricate processes shaping our planet.
1 2
Disaster Preparedness Resource Management
Minimizing risks and saving lives through better forecasting and Sustainable use of natural resources like water, minerals, and energy.
infrastructure.
Thank You!
