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70,000 km around the globe. The oceanic ridge system consists of layer upon layer of
igneous rock that has been fractured and uplifted.

Task 3. Look at Figure 3.1. Try to analyze major surface features of the
geosphere using the information from Task 1.

Task 4. Fill in the gaps with on from the suitable words:
oceanic (mid-ocean) ridges, mountain belts, ocean basins, continental margins,
continents, stable interior
Two principal divisions of Earth’s surface are the… and …. A significant
difference is their relative levels. The elevation differences between continents and
ocean basins is primarily the result of differences in their respective densities and
thicknesses. The largest features of the continents can be divided into two categories:
…and the …. The ocean floor is divided into three major topographic units: …, deep-
ocean basins, and ….

Task 5. Look at Figure 3.2. The map shows the general distribution of
Earth’s mountain belts, stable platforms and shields. Where are young mountain
belts situated? Do the Carpathians lie in the young or old mountain belt? Where
are shields situated? Where does our country lie?

Task 6. Discuss the following:
1. The continental margin.
2. The deep-ocean basins.
3. The oceanic (mid-ocean) ridges.

Individual work

Task 1. Read the text and translate it into Ukrainian (in written form). Talk
about main functions of geologists. Why did you make up your mind to become a
geologist?

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better they can
understand Earth’s history the better they can foresee how events and processes of the
past might influence the future.
Geologists study earth processes: Many processes such as
landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions can be hazardous to people.
Geologists work to understand these processes well enough to avoid building important
structures where they might be damaged. If geologists can prepare maps of areas that
have flooded in the past they can prepare maps of areas that might be flooded in the
future. These maps can be used to guide the development of communities and determine
where flood protection or flood insurance is needed.
Geologists study earth materials. People use earth materials every day. They
use oil that is produced from wells, metals that are produced from mines, and water that
has been drawn from streams or from underground. Geologists conduct studies that
locate rocks that contain important metals, plan the mines that produce them and the
methods used to remove the metals from the rocks. They do similar work to locate and
produce oil, natural gas and ground water.
Geologists study earth history. Today we are concerned about climate change.
Many geologists are working to learn about the past climates of earth and how they
have changed across time. This historical geology news information is valuable to
understand how our current climate is changing and what the results might be.

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