What does the term geosphere refer to?

The term geosphere specifically refers to the solid part of the Earth, which encompasses the crust and the outer mantle. It includes all the rocks, minerals, and soils that make up the planet's solid structure. This definition highlights the geosphere as the foundational framework of the Earth, upon which other spheres such as the hydrosphere (water) and atmosphere (air) interact.

Understanding the geosphere is essential because it plays a critical role in Earth's processes, including plate tectonics, erosion, and sedimentation. The materials that constitute the geosphere influence the environment, affecting seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of landforms.

The other terms mentioned in the choices refer to different components of the Earth system. The gaseous envelope surrounding Earth is known as the atmosphere. The layer of liquid water that covers much of the Earth's surface is referred to as the hydrosphere. The area that supports life on the planet encompasses the biosphere, which includes parts of the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere where life exists.