Science: The Evolution of the Earth PDF

SCIENCE **THE EVOLUTION OF THE EARTH** Big Bang Theory -Proposed by Georges Lemaitre (Belgian priest) -The universe began 14.4 billion years ago. -The universe was all in one place. -All of matter and energy were squished into an infinitely small point, singularity. -Then it exploded. Steady...

SCIENCE **THE EVOLUTION OF THE EARTH** Big Bang Theory -Proposed by Georges Lemaitre (Belgian priest) -The universe began 14.4 billion years ago. -The universe was all in one place. -All of matter and energy were squished into an infinitely small point, singularity. -Then it exploded. Steady State Theory -consistent universe -contradict to Big Bang Theory Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) -discovered by Arna Penzias and Robert Wilson -light is stretching to microwave form. -supported Big Bang Theory Nebular Hypothesis -cloud of gas and dust -explains the formation of solar system -Proposed by Immanuel Kant refined by Pierre Laplace Planets Terrestial Planets - Mercury-closest planet to the sun, no atmosphere - Venus-hottest planet, thick atmosphere - Earth-goldilock zone, habitual zone - Mars-reddish surface Jovian Planets - Jupiter-largest planet - Saturn-ring planet - Uranus-tilt - Neptune-blue color EARTH Poisonous -Carbon Dioxide -Methane -Water vapor -Volcanic gases Nitrogen-78% Oxygen-21% Carbon and Argon-1% Bombardment of Space -Earth was repeatedly hit by asteroids and comets. Giant Impact Hypothesis -Theia and Earth clamp together to form a moon Global chemical differential-melted iron, began to sink down into the core of the EARTH Chemical Composition of Earth Lithosphere-strong, rocky -crust and upper part of mantle Asthenosphere-partially melted, weak -motions of overlaying plates Deep mantle-mantle beneath Asthenosphere Outer core-liquid Inner core-solid The Evolving Atmosphere Gravity-holds gases intact on Earth Earth's Atmosphere -no thicker than the skin of an apple -gas -fluid (can flow and change shape) -there is a surface but no "top" the atmosphere gradually thins out with increasing altitude The higher the altitude, the air molecules decreases. The lower the altitude, the air molecules increases. Composition of Atmopshere - Permanent gases-stable, nitrogen, oxygen, argon/carbon - Variable gases-vary in concentration but have significant effect - Trace gases-present in a minute but have significant effect - Aerosols-tiny, solid and liquid particles, pollutions Three Phases of Matter -Solid to Melting=liquid -Evaporation to Gas -Solid to Gas (Sublimation) -Gas to Solid (Deposition) Hydrological Cycle ECPIRS (Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Run-Off, Substance Flow0 Aquifer-ground water Layers of the Atmosphere Troposphere-weather phenomena Stratosphere-ozone layer, airplanes Mesosphere-shooting star, coldest layer Thermosphere-hottest layer, Aurora Borealis Exosphere-satellites Nitrogen Cycle -important in making protein 1. Nitrogen 2. AMonia 3. Nitrites 4. Nitrates 5. Protein Plants and animals die-decompose-bacteria-amonia Pressure in the atmosphere Atmospheric pressure-force per unit exerted into a surface by weight of pressure is lower air Pressure Changes with Altitude -pressure varies smoothly from the Earth's surface Measuring Pressure Barometer- measures atmospheric pressure Layers of Atmosphere Troposphere-lowest thinnest layer, 90% of the atmosphere's mass Stratosphere-less dense, less water vapor, ozone layer Mesosphere-gases are less dense, absorb little UV rays Thermosphere-absorbs solar radiation Sound Waves -need medium to travel Solid-fastest Liquid-faster Gas-fast Light travel faster compared to sound. CFCs-Chlorofluorocarbons-air conditioners, spray cans, cleaning machines Montreal Protocol -stops CFCs Chlorine reacts with ozone molecules, which normally block incoming ultraviolet radiation Acid rain occurs when oxides of sulfur and oxides of nitrogen are emitted into the atmosphere. PH 4-environmental damage 7 below-acid 7 above-base 7-neutral Effects of Acid Rain -damage vegetation -damage to building materials, statues, etc. -chemical weathering-destroying rocks Greenhouse Effect -trapping of heat by gases in atmosphere Naturally occuring greenhouse gases: -Water Vapor -Carbon Dioxide -Methane -Nitrous oxide -Ozone Greenhouses gases that are not naturally occuring: -Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) -Per fluorocarbons (PFCs) -Sulfur hoxafluoride (Sf6) Solar radiation-sun Light-glucose Glucose and Oxygen-product of photosynthesis Absorption-warming the planet earth Reflection-bounce back at the outer space Greenhouse Effect -15% increase in CO2 in last 100 years Effects Global warming Melt polar ice caps-flooding at sea level Warning oceans-more powerful storms