Earth's energy system
Earth's energy system Physical processes Earth is constantly changing as energy flows through the system. Geologic, fossil, and ice records provide evidence of significant changes throughout Earth's history. These changes are always associated with changes in the flow of energy through the Earth system. Both living and non- living processes have contributed to this change. Energy flows Energy flows on Earth can take many forms. In some cases the energy flows are constant, such as the decay of naturally-occurring radioactive materials within the Earth. This process releases heat to Earth's interior, which helps to drive the motion of plate tectonics at a fairly constant rate. In other cases the energy flows can vary over time, such as with the carbon cycle Energy drives the flow of carbon between different reservoirs. Carbon can exist in carbonate rocks (like limestone), stored fossil ...