The general characteristics of Earth include all its internal and external structures, as well as the main geological and geophysical phenomena (volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, etc.) taking place there.
The Earth is made up of different layers that are responsible for powerful movements within the planet. This internal dynamic models the Earth’s relief in addition to causing various geological and geophysical phenomena.
On a time scale, some of the phenomena develop over several thousand years (tectonic plates, orogenesis, erosion). Others occur over a short period of a few hundred years (earthquakes, volcanoes).
The characteristics on the Earth’s surface can be divided into four spheres.
The biosphere contains all living organisms on the planet, whether they are animals, plants, or microorganisms.
The lithosphere is Earth’s solid outer layer. It includes the Earth's crust and the upper part of the mantle.
The hydrosphere refers to all water on Earth, whether in liquid, solid, or gaseous form.
The atmosphere refers to the gaseous envelope surrounding a celestial body (star, planet, natural satellite).
In these four spheres, the chemical elements necessary for life circulate. They are constantly changing and moving from one environment to another.
The four spheres of Earth are shown in the image below.
