1.recognize the uniqueness of earth, being the only planet in the solar system with properties necessary to support life.
2.explain that the earth consists of four subsystems, across whose boundaries matter and energy flow.
3.explain the current advancements/information of the solar system.
4.show the contributions of personalities/people on the understanding of the earth system.
5.identify the layers of the earth .
6.differentiate the layers of the earth.
Answers
The earth is unique among planets in our solar system due to the presence of liquid water, plate tectonics and an atmosphere that protects it from the worst of the sun's ray. 74% of the earth's surface is covered by water. Due to the presence of water, it is referred as home to millions of species of plants and animals.
The earth consists of four subsystems such as-
Atmosphere- It is the thin gaseous layer that covers the lithosphere. The atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon and trace amount of other gases.
Lithosphere- It includes the rocks of the crust and mantle. Plate tectonics is the process helps in shaping the surface of the earth.
Biosphere- It is the set where there is a existence of life forms.
Hydrosphere- 70% of the earth is covered with water. 1/3 rd is present in streams, lakes and ground water.
The current advancement/ information about the solar system last 2013 is the earth's almost twin is called the Kepler- 78b. NASA is also looking into a new theory that Pluto might be formed at the edge of our solar system by billions of comets.
Scientists such as James Hutton, Alexander von Humboldt, Vadimir Vernadsky, James Lovelock and Lyn Margulis.
- James Hutton the father of modern geology describes the formation of Earth and its repeated cycle of erosion and sedimentation. He also introduced the concept of uniformitarianism.
- Alexander von Humboldt helped in establishing the foundation for earth system service through his observation of nature.
- Vladimir Vernadsky discovered the term noosphere. In this theory, he described that geosphere was the first phase of the Earth that was developed.
- James Lovelock stated that the living organisms co-evolve with non-living things in the enviroment to work as a synergistic, self-regulating system.
- Lyn Margulis observed that all kinds of bacteria give off gases and thought that atmospheric gases were from biological sources. With lovelock, Lyn Margulis published a paper on how life regulates the temperature and chemical composition of the soil and atmosphere.
Earth can be divided into three main layers such as the core, the mantle and the crust.
The crust is the layer where all living things are found. It is composed of granite and basalt.
The mantle is the layer which is found under the sima. It is composed of hot, dense rock.
Core consists of heavy metal such as nickel and iron. Inner core has temperature and pressures that the metals are not able to move but are forced to vibrate in place as a solid. Outer core is so hot that the metals in it are all in the liquid state.