Environmental Science - 1.1.1 - How main life sustaining conditions came about
how is the atmosphere important for supporting life? (3)
traps harmful ultraviolet rays
contains gases for necessary processes
allows for precipitation to deliver water to organisms
what is the composition of the atmosphere?
78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% carbon dioxide, methane water vapour etc.
how is the atmosphere maintained by earth
the mass of earth and force of gravity maintains the atmosphere
what roles do gases play in imporant processes
oxygen - respiration in all organisms
nitrogen - key for making DNA and amino acids, also in the nitrogen cycle
CO2 - part of photosynthesis in plants
how is the solar position important for supporting life?
the distance from the sun is just right to maintain an ambient temperature. too close or too far would not allow liquid water to exist
how is the Earths' orbital behaviour important for supporting life?
circular orbit of the sun allows for distribution of sunlight over a year
enables Earth to maintain a stable climate suitable for life and remain in the 'Goldilocks Zone'
what degrees is the Earth tilted on and why is it relevant
23.5 degrees to the orbital plane, useful because creates seasons
how is the magnetosphere mainatained by earth
generated by the earths inner iron core of spinning and moving electrical charges
how is the magnetosphere significant for life
deflects harmful solar winds emitted from the sun, preventing teratogenic mutations in organisms
what is insolation
the amount of solar radiation recieved on a given area in a specific time frame
how is the angle of incidence a significant factor for insolation
a higher angle of incidence covers more area and consequently causes it to be dispersed more, often leading to a colder temperature
how is the angle of the earth a significant factor for insolation
during different seasons, the northern or southern hemisphere gets more sunlight, depending on the tilt on the axis