These rocks may later be uplifted and weathered by rain, thus releasing the carbon dioxide back into the air. Although we subdivide geology topics into chapters, most of the processes are interrelated and affect one another. F. Dynamic equilibrium is a feature of geologic processes. Some change is irreversible, but other system disruptions are restored back to balance in short order. G. Earth can be considered a closed system in most respects.
Some elements used by humans are irreplaceable.
Likewise, some pollutants created by humans will stay on earth for good. Human activity is very fast compared to a geologic timescale. The earth's population doubles every 30 years. Humans consume more and more land and mineral and energy resources. Some resources could be exhausted in our lifetimes.