The solid, rocky, outermost layer of the Earth, including the crust and the uppermost mantle.
Here's a breakdown:
* Solid: The geosphere is primarily made up of solid rock, although it can also include molten rock (magma) in the upper mantle.
* Rocky: The geosphere is characterized by its rocky composition, with various types of minerals and rocks.
* Outermost layer: It's the outermost layer of the Earth, situated beneath the atmosphere and above the Earth's core.
* Crust and Uppermost Mantle: The geosphere encompasses both the Earth's crust, the thin outer layer, and the uppermost part of the mantle, a thicker layer beneath the crust.
Therefore, the geosphere is the solid, rocky, outermost layer of the Earth, encompassing the crust and uppermost mantle.