What area does the geosphere encompass?

The correct answer is that the geosphere encompasses the non-living world from the Earth's surface to its center. This includes all the rock and soil that make up the Earth, encompassing the various layers of the Earth such as the crust, mantle, and core. The geosphere is a critical component of Earth's systems, influencing and interacting with both the atmosphere (the air), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (life). Understanding the geosphere is essential in fields like geology, environmental science, and Earth science, as it provides insight into processes such as plate tectonics, erosion, and the Earth's mineral resources.

Inhibiting development and functions within ecosystems or social systems, while important, are distinct aspects that fall outside the precise definition of the geosphere itself. The geosphere does not directly pertain to social interactions or technological advancements, which are more aligned with human societies and their cultures or innovations.