Earth Science: The Atmosphere

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of the exosphere layer of Earth's atmosphere?

It is where the air is constantly leaking into outer space. (correct)

It is the densest layer of the atmosphere.

It is characterized by high-pressure conditions.

It contains the majority of Earth's weather patterns.

Which of the following statements correctly describes the composition of the Earth's crust?

It has a thickness of about 2,900 km.

It is primarily composed of iron and nickel.

It is a molten layer beneath the mantle.

It includes silica and light metallic elements. (correct)

What occurs in the thermosphere layer of the atmosphere?

The majority of weather phenomena take place.

There are high-pressure conditions and high density.

X-rays and UV radiation from the Sun are absorbed. (correct)

It is where the oxygen concentration is highest.

Which layer directly beneath the crust makes up the upper part of Earth's solid structure?

Lithosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following layers is primarily described as a molten layer of the Earth?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

What is the thickness of the outer core of the Earth?

2,200 km Signup and view all the answers

Which system includes all water on Earth?

Hydrosphere Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Earth's water is classified as fresh water?

3% Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the cryosphere?

Sea water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main interaction of the Earth subsystems during a volcanic eruption?

Geosphere sends materials to both atmosphere and biosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atmosphere

Comprises the layer where humans live; most weather occurs here.
Extends over 560 km above Earth's surface.
Chemical composition: approximately 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% other gases.
Divided into five layers: Exosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Troposphere.

Exosphere

Considered the "final frontier" of Earth's atmosphere; air is constantly escaping into space.

Thermosphere

Absorbs high-energy X-rays and UV radiation from the Sun.

Mesosphere

Coldest layer of the atmosphere, with temperatures around -90°C (-130°F); most meteors burn up here.

Stratosphere

Contains the ozone layer, extending from the top of the troposphere to about 50 km above ground.

Troposphere

The lowest atmospheric layer, supporting life and weather patterns.

Geosphere

Comprises the solid Earth, including both the surface (continental and ocean crust) and interior layers.
The surface crust is constantly moving.

Crust

The outermost layer of Earth, mainly composed of silica and light metallic elements.
Thickness ranges up to 15-20 km.

Lithosphere

Includes the crust and the upper layer of the mantle.

Mantle

A molten layer predominantly made of silica, iron, and magnesium.
Thickness: about 2,900 km.

Core

Composed of iron and nickel; divided into outer (liquid) and inner (solid) cores.
Outer core thickness: 2,200 km; inner core thickness: 1,250 km.

Hydrosphere

Encompasses all forms of water on Earth, including surface water and groundwater.
Freshwater constitutes 3% of total water, with 70% of that being frozen in glaciers.

Cryosphere

Refers to Earth's frozen components including snow, glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost.
Crucial for the global climate system.

Biosphere

The "life zone" of Earth, containing all living organisms and organic matter.
Interacts with three subsystems: atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Food Chain

Represents the hierarchical structure of biological interactions in the biosphere.

Earth System Interactions

Continuous flow of matter and energy occurs between hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

Theories of Origin of the Universe

Big Bang Theory: Proposed by Georges Lemaitre; universe began from a hot, dense state, expanding rapidly.
Steady State Theory: Suggests the universe has no beginning and continuously creates new matter.
Solar Nebula Theory: Describes sun and planets formation from a rotating disk of gas.
Multiverse Model: Proposes multiple or infinite universes resulting from ongoing inflation.

Key Astronomical Metrics

Length of solar day (rotation): 23.934 hours.
Length of year (revolution around the sun): 365.26 days.
Equatorial inclination to orbit: 23.4393 degrees.

Unique Characteristics of Earth

Fifth largest planet in the solar system, primarily composed of iron, oxygen, silicon, and magnesium.
Oblate spheroid shape with a diameter of 13,000 km.
Average distance from the sun: 149,598,262 km (92,956,050 miles).

Capture Theory

Explains that the Sun's gravity attracted materials from a protostar, forming protoplanets through collisions.

Description

This quiz explores the Earth's atmosphere, its composition, and the layer we inhabit. It covers essential details such as the gases present and the role of the atmosphere in weather patterns. Test your knowledge about the geosphere and its connection to the atmosphere.