Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a part of the geosphere?

1. Crust

2. Core

3. Oceans

4. Manifold

The correct answer is: Oceans

The geosphere encompasses the solid parts of the Earth, which include the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. It refers to all the rocks, minerals, and landforms, forming the Earth's structure. Among the options listed, the crust, core, and manifold (which could refer to specific geologic formations or structures) are all components of the geosphere as they pertain directly to solid Earth materials and processes. Oceans, however, are not considered part of the geosphere because they consist of liquid water, which falls under the hydrosphere, another essential Earth system that includes all water bodies. The hydrosphere encompasses everything from oceans and lakes to glaciers and water vapor in the atmosphere. Thus, the oceans represent a significant aspect of Earth’s water systems but do not belong to the solid, mineral aspects of the geosphere.