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Q. Discuss the evolution of the layered structure of the Earth along with the formation of the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.

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Introduction
The planet earth initially was a barren, rocky and hot object with a thin atmosphere of hydrogen and helium. The present-day earth is the result of processes that are taking place from nearly 4,600 million years.

Body
Formation of the layered structure in the lithosphere:

  • The earth was mostly in a volatile state during its primordial stage.
  • Due to the gradual increase in density the temperature inside has increased. As a result of the material inside started getting separated depending on their densities.
  • This process is called differentiation.
  • This allowed heavier materials (like iron) to sink towards the centre of the earth and the lighter ones to move towards the surface.
  • Due to this earth got divided into layers like the crust (outermost), mantle, outer core and inner core (innermost).
  • From the crust to the core, the density of the material increases.

Evolution of Atmosphere and Hydrosphere:

  • The early atmosphere, with hydrogen and helium, is supposed to have been stripped off as a result of the solar winds.
  • Then, during the cooling of the earth, gases and water vapour were released from the interior solid earth. This started the evolution of the present atmosphere. This process is called degassing.
  • Continuous volcanic eruptions contributed water vapour and gases to the atmosphere.
  • As the earth cooled, the water vapour released started getting condensed.
  • The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere got dissolved in rainwater and the temperature further decreased causing more condensation and more rains.
  • The rainwater falling onto the surface got collected in the depressions to give rise to oceans.

Conclude
The evolution of the lithosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere led to the evolution of photosynthesis (someway around 2,500-3,000 million years before the present), this gave birth to the life on earth.

The document GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Structure of Earth | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice is a part of the UPSC Course UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice.
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FAQs on GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Structure of Earth - UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice

1. What is the structure of the Earth?
Ans. The Earth has a layered structure consisting of the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The crust is the outermost layer and is made up of solid rock. The mantle is the layer beneath the crust and is primarily composed of solid rock but can also flow very slowly over long periods of time. The outer core is a liquid layer primarily composed of iron and nickel. Finally, the inner core is the solid center of the Earth, consisting mainly of iron.
2. How is the structure of the Earth determined?
Ans. The structure of the Earth is determined through various methods, including seismic waves, density measurements, and drilling samples. Seismic waves, generated by earthquakes or human-made sources, are used to study the Earth's interior. By measuring the speed and direction of these waves as they travel through the Earth, scientists can infer the different layers and their properties. Density measurements involve studying how materials of different densities behave under different conditions, such as temperature and pressure. Drilling samples from deep within the Earth's crust also provide valuable information about its composition and structure.
3. What is the significance of the Earth's structure?
Ans. The Earth's structure is significant as it determines many of the planet's characteristics and processes. For example, the structure of the Earth influences plate tectonics, the movement of continents, and the formation of mountains and volcanoes. It also plays a crucial role in the Earth's magnetic field, which protects the planet from harmful solar radiation. Additionally, understanding the structure of the Earth helps in locating and extracting valuable resources such as minerals, oil, and gas.
4. How do scientists study the Earth's interior?
Ans. Scientists study the Earth's interior using a variety of methods. One common method is through the analysis of seismic waves. By studying how these waves travel through the Earth, scientists can infer the composition and density of the different layers. Another method is through laboratory experiments that simulate extreme conditions of temperature and pressure to understand how materials behave under such conditions. Additionally, drilling deep into the Earth's crust and collecting samples provides direct evidence of its composition and structure.
5. What are the different properties of the Earth's layers?
Ans. The different layers of the Earth have distinct properties. The crust is the thinnest layer and has the lowest density. It is composed of different types of rocks, including granite and basalt. The mantle is much thicker and denser than the crust. It is predominantly made up of solid rock but can flow over very long periods of time, a property known as mantle convection. The outer core is a liquid layer composed mainly of iron and nickel. It is responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field. The inner core is the solid center of the Earth and consists mainly of iron. It has the highest density and is under immense pressure.
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