Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere
Download 18.54 Kb.
|
| What are the four components of the Earth system? The four major components of the Earth System are atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere. Name the three compositional layers of the earth's interior and describe each. Earth can be divided into three layers based on chemical composition: the crust, the mantle, and the core. The outermost solid layer of Earth is the crusts which there are two types of crust: continental and oceanic. The mantle is located between the crust and the core. The mantle is a region of hot, slow-flowing solid rock and the mantle contains also more magnesium and less aluminum and silicon than the crust. Lastly, the core extends from below the mantle to the center of Earth. Most of the scientists think that the core is made mostly of iron and some nickel and it is considered as the densest layer and makes up about one-third of Earth’s mass. How scientists do determined the characteristic of Earth's interior? The characteristics of Earth’s Interior determined through studying and measuring the seismic waves. These are waves of energy that travel through Earth, and they move similarly to other types of waves, like sound waves, light waves, and water waves. In addition, they also do laboratory experiments on rocks and minerals. Scientists recognize patterns in these rocks and sediment, and they can evaluate the composition of rocks and other samples taken from different depths of the Earth during routine excavation and geologic studies in the lab. How does the composition of the lithosphere and asthenosphere differ? The outermost, rigid layer of Earth is the lithosphere. The lithosphere is made of the crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle. Lithosphere also is divided into pieces called tectonic plates while the asthenosphere is the layer of weak or soft mantle made of solid rock that moves very slowly. The asthenosphere is located below the lithosphere and the tectonic plates move on top of the asthenosphere. What are the sources of energy for external and internal earth processes? Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy, both of which create heat. The Sun is the major external source of energy. Two primary sources of internal energy are the decay of radioactive isotopes and the gravitational energy from Earth's original formation. Name the three processes by which heat energy is transferred to Earth or within Earth. Heat from the Earth's core and radiation from the Sun is transferred to the surface of the Earth by conduction. Contact of the atmosphere with these warm surfaces transfers thermal energy, which then heats up the rest of the air through convection. What is the difference between the terrestrial and Jovian planet? Terrestrial planets are small with high densities and rocky surfaces, while Jovian planets are large with low densities and gaseous surfaces. In the solar system, Mars, Mercury, Earth and Venus are terrestrial planets, while Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are Jovian planets. When talking of the distance from the sun, the terrestrial planets are closer to the sun and the Jovian planets are farther. When considering the size, the Jovian planets are much larger than the terrestrial planets. While the atmosphere of terrestrial planets is composed mainly of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases, hydrogen and helium gases are found in abundance in the atmosphere of Jovian planets. What are the characteristics of the terrestrial planets? A terrestrial planet is one that meets these three planetary criteria and has a heavy metal core, a rocky mantle, and a solid surface. Surface conditions can vary greatly from planet to planet, but if it has a solid surface and a rocky inside, it is a terrestrial planet. Explain how seasons occur Seasons occur because of its elliptical orbit, the earth is closer to the sun during the northern hemisphere's winter. However, distance from the sun does not affect the seasons. The tilt of the earth's axis causes the seasons to change. In addition, Earth’s tilted axis causes the seasons. Throughout the year, different parts of Earth receive the Sun’s most direct rays. So, when the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and when the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, winter season in the Northern Hemisphere are experienced. Download 18.54 Kb. Share with your friends:
|