Earth Systems and Habitable Conditions
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Questions and Answers

What are the four basic subsystems of Earth?

  • Geosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere (correct)
  • Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Geosphere, Cryosphere
  • Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere
  • Geosphere, Atmosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere

Which of the following statements about Earth and Mars is true?

  • Mars has about half of the Earth's mass (correct)
  • Mars experiences more liquid water than Earth
  • Mars has a faster rotation speed than Earth
  • Earth has a smaller mass than Mars

What is the relationship between a planet's distance from the sun and its orbital period?

  • It is directly proportional; farther planets orbit slower (correct)
  • It has no effect on the orbital period
  • It is inversely proportional; nearer planets orbit slower
  • It affects only the rotational properties of the planets

The term 'atmosphere' is derived from Greek meaning which of the following?

<p>Gas globe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is MOST critical for supporting life on Earth compared to Venus and Mars?

<p>Presence of liquid water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Earth system is incorrect?

<p>It has interchangeable subsystems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component is NOT part of Earth's geosphere?

<p>Water bodies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following planets is considered Earth's twin?

<p>Venus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of oxygen (O2)?

<p>21% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process involves the transfer of water from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere?

<p>Evaporation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is NOT a part of the geosphere?

<p>Troposphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a primary influence on the rate of evaporation?

<p>Air pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the evaporation of water through plant leaves?

<p>Transpiration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is primarily responsible for reshaping the Earth's surface according to the content?

<p>Plate Tectonics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is most atmospheric water vapor primarily found?

<p>Troposphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of the plate tectonics process?

<p>Earth's internal heat (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much of the Earth's water is classified as fresh water?

<p>About 3% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is described as the transition from vapor to liquid?

<p>Condensation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the biosphere is crucial for the carbon cycle?

<p>Photosynthetic organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the combined process of evaporation and transpiration?

<p>Evapotranspiration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sublimation is defined as the direct conversion of which state of water?

<p>Solid to vapor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the hydrosphere mentioned in the content?

<p>It contains liquid water crucial for life. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the geosphere?

<p>It encompasses the entire Earth to its core. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the water cycle?

<p>A continuous circulation of water in the Earth-atmosphere system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Atmosphere

The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. It's where we breathe and where weather happens. It's like a blanket for the planet.

Geosphere

The solid, rocky part of the Earth, including the crust, mantle, and core. It's the ground we stand on.

Hydrosphere

All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, ice, and groundwater. It covers most of our planet.

Biosphere

All the living things on Earth, from tiny bacteria to giant trees and humans. It's the life that makes our planet special.

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Earth system

The interconnected parts of the Earth that work together, such as the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It's like a complex web.

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Closed system

A system that exchanges energy with its surroundings but doesn't exchange matter with its surroundings. Think of a greenhouse.

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Water cycle

The process by which water moves from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again. It's the cycle that powers our weather.

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Habitable planet

A set of factors that make a planet suitable for life. It involves the right temperature, presence of water, and a suitable atmosphere. It's like living in a comfortable home.

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What is the Earth's atmosphere?

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace amounts of other gases.

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What is atmospheric circulation?

The continuous movement of heat and moisture between the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans.

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What is the geosphere?

All the soil, rocks, and minerals on Earth, from the crust to the core.

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What is plate tectonics?

A key process that shapes the Earth's surface, driven by the Earth's internal heat and mantle convection.

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What is the biosphere?

All living organisms on Earth, including ecosystems like forests, oceans, and deserts.

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What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants use sunlight to make food, consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

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What is the hydrosphere?

All the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

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What is the carbon cycle?

The storage and release of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the atmosphere, the biosphere, and the geosphere.

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What is the water cycle?

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface.

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What is evaporation?

The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas (vapor).

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What is condensation?

The process of water changing from a gas (vapor) to a liquid.

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What is precipitation?

Water falling back to Earth from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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What is transpiration?

The evaporation of water from plants, primarily through their leaves.

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What is runoff?

The downward flow of water over the land surface, usually towards the ocean.

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What is evapotranspiration?

The combined effect of evaporation and transpiration.

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What is atmospheric moisture?

The storage of water vapor in the atmosphere, primarily in the troposphere.

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Study Notes

Earth Systems

  • Earth is a system of interacting parts called subsystems
  • The Earth system's subsystems are interconnected and dependent on each other
  • Earth's subsystems are geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere

Objectives

  • Describe the uniqueness of Earth
  • Identify properties of Earth necessary for life
  • Describe Earth's four subsystems
  • Explain the water cycle

The Earth is Unique

  • Earth, Venus, and Mars are rocky planets
  • Their compositions and densities are similar
  • Venus is considered Earth's twin planet—similar size and mass
  • Mars is about half the size and mass of Earth
  • Earth's orbital period and velocity relate to its distance from the sun
  • Earth is the only planet in the habitable zone.
  • Earth has liquid water—giving it its blue color

Factors that Make a Planet Habitable

  • Temperature: Life functions best within specific temperatures. Extreme heat or cold inhibits chemical reactions essential for life.
  • Water: Water is crucial for transporting chemicals and nutrients within organisms
  • Energy: Living things require a steady, sufficient input of either light or chemical energy.

Atmosphere

  • The atmosphere is a gaseous layer surrounding the Earth.
  • It contains nitrogen (N), oxygen (O2), argon, and trace amounts of other gases
  • Atmospheric circulation redistributes heat across Earth's surface, and interacts with the hydrosphere.
  • Atmospheric circulation contributes to weather systems.

Geosphere

  • The geosphere includes earth's rocks, soil, and minerals.
  • This layer extends from the crust to the core
  • Three main layers—crust, mantle, core (including liquid and solid inner core)
  • Plate tectonics is a process that shapes the Earth's surface due to internal heat and mantle convection.

Biosphere

  • The biosphere encompasses all life on Earth, from the soil to the deep sea
  • It includes all ecosystems, such as rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves.
  • Photosynthesis is a vital process in the biosphere. Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into sugars, releasing oxygen (O2) in the process. This CO2 sequestration is an important part of the carbon cycle.

Hydrosphere

  • The hydrosphere comprises all the water on Earth, making up approximately 70% of its surface
  • This includes oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, and ice.
  • Most (about 96.5%) of Earth’s water is in the oceans
  • Freshwater is only 2.5% of the total amount, with 68.7% found in glaciers and ice caps

Water Cycle

  • The water cycle describes how water continually circulates through the Earth-atmosphere system.
  • Key processes include evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and run-off.
  • Evaporation: Liquid water changes to a gaseous state (water vapor)
  • Transpiration: Water vapor is released from plants
  • Condensation: Water vapor changes back to liquid water
  • Precipitation: Water falls from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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Related Documents

Lesson 1: Earth Systems PDF

Description

Explore the intricacies of Earth's subsystems and their interdependence, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Understand the factors that make Earth unique and the essential properties needed for life, such as temperature and water. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge of Earth's role within the solar system.

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