Distinguish between the four main Earth system spheres. Which of the following contains solid rock below and at Earth’s surface?
• hydrosphere
• atmosphere
• lithosphere
• biosphere
The lithosphere contains solid rock below and at Earth's surface.
The four main Earth system spheres are the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Each sphere represents a different component of Earth's systems.
The hydrosphere refers to all the water on Earth, including water bodies such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
The atmosphere is the thin layer of gases surrounding Earth. It consists of various gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and others.
The lithosphere is the solid outer layer of Earth that includes the Earth's crust and the upper portion of the upper mantle. It is composed of solid rock and minerals.
The biosphere is the sphere where life exists on Earth. It includes all living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as their environment.
Out of these four spheres, the lithosphere contains solid rock both below and at Earth's surface. It includes the Earth's crust, which is made up of solid rocks and minerals.