Planetary Science: Earth vs. Outer Planets

Study Notes

Composed of icy materials like water, methane, and ammonia above a rocky core.
Atmospheres primarily consist of molecular hydrogen and atomic helium, with trace amounts of methane.

Known as the "Goldilocks Planet" for its ideal distance from the Sun, maintaining temperatures suitable for liquid water.
Liquid water is unique to Earth, allowing life to thrive within a temperature range of -15°C to 115°C.
Atmosphere composed of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, essential for supporting life and providing protection from radiation and meteorites.
Steady energy sources, including light and chemical energy, are crucial for sustaining life.

Various natural mechanisms, including the water cycle, atmosphere, and volcanic activity, facilitate nutrient circulation essential for ecosystems.

Geosphere: Comprised of several distinct layers of land with nutrient-rich soil at the top.
Hydrosphere: Encompasses all forms of water on Earth; 97% is saline, found mainly in oceans.
Biosphere: Includes all living organisms, such as microorganisms, plants, and animals.

Big Bang Theory: The universe originated approximately 13.8 billion years ago from a singular point, leading to continuous expansion.
Nebular Hypothesis: The solar system formed around 4.54 billion years ago from a cold solar nebula, leading to the creation of the Sun and surrounding planets through gravitational forces.

Mercury: A rocky planet with a cratered surface and thin atmosphere, mainly composed of oxygen and other gases.
Venus: Features a solid surface with volcanic plains and extreme temperatures that can melt lead.
Earth: A dynamic rocky planet with diverse terrain and significant water coverage, providing a balanced atmosphere for life.
Mars: Altered by geological activities with a thin atmosphere containing small amounts of oxygen and water vapor.
Jupiter: The largest planet, composed mainly of gas with a hydrogen and helium-rich atmosphere.
Saturn: A gas giant lacking a solid surface, possibly with an undiscovered solid core.

Evaporation: Surface water turns into vapor, energized by the sun.
Sublimation: Ice transforms directly into vapor due to temperature increase.
Transpiration: Plants release water vapor through leaf stomata.
Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms liquid droplets, resulting in cloud formation.
Precipitation: Water droplets in clouds fall as rain; some water contributes to surface runoff or groundwater.