Topic: Origin of the Earth
Course: IRS-503
Introduction to Earth and Environmental Systems
Muhammad Rezaul Rakib
Associate Professor
Department of Geography & Environment
Jahangirnagar University
[email protected] Why Study Introduction to Earth and Environmental Systems?
a) Understanding Earth's Complex Systems
b) Addressing Environmental Challenges
c) Enhancing Awareness of Human Impact
d) Preparing for Diverse Careers
e) Promoting Sustainable Living
f) Broader Perspective on Our Planet
Lesson and Assignment Plan
Topics Contents Assessment
Strategy
The Big Bang, Formation of the Elements, Formation of the Solar System, the Chemistry of the Earth, the earth Quiz
Origin of the Earth
is a special planet, different spheres of the earth
Solid Earth Rock and Minerals, Igneous Rocks and Volcanoes, Sedimentary Rocks, Fossil Fuel Resources, Metamorphic Quiz
Rocks
Rock Deformation, Earthquakes, The Earth's Interior, Plate Tectonics, historical development of continental drift Mid-term
The Restless Earth
and plate tectonics, plate boundaries
Surface Processes Soil, soil nutrient, Stream Processes, Flood Hazards, Shore Processes, Coastal Erosion Mid-term
Energy sources Earth’s energy budget, Types of energy sources, Types of renewable energy sources, Nonrenewable energy Presentation
sources, Greenhouse gases, Importance of greenhouse gases for life, global warming.
Ecosystems and Human populations, Ecosystems, Biological communities, Flow of energy in ecosystems,
Ecosystem and nutrient Relationships between species. Mid-term
cycle The carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle, short term cycling of carbon, long term carbon cycle, Carbon sinks and
carbon sources
Human populations, Human population growth
Human influence on carbon cycle, why do we need to know about the carbon cycle?
Land: Land resource, human actions and the Land, pollution of the Land, Hazardous waste, Impacts of
hazardous waste
Human and environment Water: Groundwater, surface water, water and life, Water pollution, 3R technology, monitoring earth from Assignment/Re
space port
Air: Air Pollution, Effects of air pollution, Reducing air pollution, climate, climate change Resource conservation:
Use and
conservation of resources, Energy efficiency, Sustainable development
Observation of earth from Practical task
Application of remote sensing in earth resources and hazard monitoring
space (case study)
The Big Bang Theory 13.8 billion years ago
The universe expanded rapidly from a hot, dense state.
1 Cosmic Microwave 2 Expanding Universe
Background Galaxies moving away from
Leftover radiation from the each other.
Big Bang.
Timeline of the Big Bang
1 Inflation
Rapid expansion in the first fraction of a second .
2 Subatomic Particles
Formation of quarks and gluons.
3 Recombination
Atoms form, light escapes.
Formation of the Elements
Elements formed through nuclear processes.
Big Bang Nucleosynthesis
Hydrogen, Helium, and Lithium formed in the first few minutes.
Stellar Nucleosynthesis
Heavier elements formed in stars through fusion.
Supernovae
Exploding stars release heavier elements into space.
Formation of Stars and
Galaxies
Gravity brought matter together.
First Stars
Formed from hydrogen and helium.
Galaxies
Stars clustered together.
Formation of the Solar
System
Occurred from a rotating cloud of gas and dust.
Nebular Hypothesis Central Condensation
Cloud collapsed under gravity. Formed the Sun.
Disk Materials
Formed planets and other bodies.
Planetes imal and Protoplanetary Formation
Small particles collided and grew.
Planetesimals Small, rocky bodies.
Protoplanets Larger, growing bodies.
Formation of the Earth
1. Dust particles within the disk a. As Earth grew, heat from
began clumping together due to radioactive decay and
electrostatic forces, forming collisions melted its interior.
planetesimals (small rocky b. Denser materials, like iron and
bodies). nickel, sank to the center to
form the core.
2. Over time, these planetesimals c. Lighter materials rose to form
collided and stuck together, the crust and mantle, leading
growing into protoplanets, to Earth’s layered structure.
including early Earth.
The Chemistry of the Earth
Core Mantle Crust
Iron and nickel, solid inner core, Silicate minerals, semi-solid, Thin outer layer, diverse
liquid outer core. responsible for plate tectonics. composition, includes carbonates,
silicates, and metals.
Earth's Atmosphere and Oceans
1 Initial Atmosphere
Hydrogen and helium, lost due to solar winds.
2 Current Atmosphere
Volcanic outgassing and photosynthesis.
3 Ocean Formation
Water vapor condensation and asteroid impacts.
The Earth is a Special Planet
1 Liquid Water 2 Stable Climate
Essential for life as we Allows for diverse life forms.
know it.
3 Magnetic Field 4 Plate Tectonics
Protects from solar radiation. Shapes Earth's surface,
drives geological processes.
Different Spheres of the
E arth
Geosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere Cryosphere
Solid rock Water in all Gaseous Life on Frozen
and soil forms layer Earth water
Hydros phere
Definition: The hydrosphere includes all water on
Earth—oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers,
groundwater, and water vapor in the atmosphere.
Coverage: About 71% of Earth's surface is
covered by water, with 97% in oceans and only 3%
.
as freshwater.
Importance: It regulates Earth's climate, supports
ecosystems, and provides essential resources for
life.
Water Cycle: The hydrosphere is dynamic, driven
by the water cycle processes-evaporation,
condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Geosphere
It supports landforms, minerals, and tectonic activities.
The geosphere includes Earth's solid layers: crust, mantle, and
core.
Interacts with other Earth systems, shaping life and climate.
Atmos phere
The Earth's Atmosphere: A protective layer of
gases surrounding our planet.
Composition: Primarily nitrogen (78%) and
oxygen (21%), with traces of other gases.
Layers: Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere,
thermosphere, and exosphere.
Importance: Regulates temperature, supports life,
and shields us from harmful solar radiation.
Cryosphere
1 Ice Caps and Glaciers 2 Permafrost
Covers vast areas and Frozen soil regulates global
stores freshwater. temperatures.
3 Reflects Sunlight
Helps maintain Earth's energy balance.
Earth’s Magnetic Field
Liquid Outer Core
Generates Earth's magnetic field.
Solar Winds
Shields Earth from harmful radiation.
The Role of Supernovae
1 Stellar Explosions 2 Building Blocks
Supernovae disperse Enriched solar nebula for
heavy elements. Earth's formation.
3 Iron, Gold, Uranium
Elements essential for life.
Formation of the Moon
1 Giant Impact
Theia collides with early Earth.
2 Debris Coalescence
Forms the Moon from impact debris.
3 Stabilizing Influence
Influences Earth's tilt and tides.
Plate Tectonics and Earth's Evolution
Crustal Plates Continental Shaping Earth's Evolution
Earth's crust divided into plates. Plate movement forms continents. Influences geography and ecosystems.
Earth's Climate System
Greenhouse Effect Key Gases
Warms Earth's average CO₂, CH₄, H₂O.
temperature.
Climate Regulation
Interactions between systems.
Summary
the origin of space, the solar system, Earth, and the elements
of Earth is a complex tale of cosmic evolution, stellar life
cycles, and planetary formation.
It starts with the Big Bang, continues through the formation of
stars and galaxies, the birth of our Sun and planets, and the
development of Earth itself.
Through processes like nuclear fusion, supernovae, and
planetary accretion, the elements that make up Earth were
created and assembled, ultimately setting the stage for life as
we know it.
• The Origin of the Earth" by H. H. Read
• "Cosmology: The Science of the Universe" by Edward Harrison
• "The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology" by Stephen Marshak
