Earth Spheres Flashcards
(21 cards)
5 parts of the atmosphere?
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Exosphere
Outline the range and temperature of troposphere
the layer closest to the earth, containing half of the atmosphere
almost all water and dust are found in this layer, forming clouds
where earth’s weather is mostly controlled
15- -56.5* and 0- 12-18 km
Outline the range and temperature of stratosphere
air in this layer is less dense and drier
aeroplane fly in the low stratosphere to avoid turbulence
-56.5to -2.5 * and 11-50km
Outline the range and temperature of mesosphere
the layer that protects the earth against meteors
-2.5 to -86.5* and 40-50 to 80-90km
Outline the range and temperature of Thermosphere
where shuttles and satellites orbit
a person that has been in this layer is officially and astronaut
auroras take place in this layer
-86.5 - 1200* and 80-90 to 800 km
Outline the range and temperature of Exosphere
the outermost and least dense atmospheric layer.
has no defined outer limit as it just merges into space
many satellites orbit in this layer
1200* and 800 to 3000km
4 spheres of the Earth
- Biosphere
- Atmosphere
- Lithosphere
- Hydrosphere
outline and explain Biosphere.
- is the layer of the planet where life exists
- land, water and air interact on this sphere to support life
- The biosphere extends about 20kms from top to bottom, however almost all life exists between 500m below and 6kms above sea level.
outline and explain Atmosphere
- The atmosphere is the layer of gases (that we know as air) that extends from the surface of the Earth into space.
- 99% of the gases in the atmosphere is found within 80km of the Earth’s surface, then the air starts to thin out until into the relative emptiness of space.
- The atmosphere provides warmth, controls weather, carries sound and protects the Earth against dangers from space.
- It contains gases essential for the survival of organisms on land and in the water.
outline and explain Lithosphere
- is the outer most rocky layer of the earth and is composed of the crust and upper mantle
- the rocky crust that makes up the lithosphere is made from magma that cools down slowly.
- There are two parts of this layer: the oceanic and continental lithospheres, which are broken down to 15 tectonic plates.
- These plates float on semi-liquid magma at the top of the mantle and move about 2-10cm per year, due to the movement of convection currents
outline and explain hydrosphere
- is the sum of all water found on earth
- the frozen part of this is called the cryosphere, which helps regulate the climate of the Earth through;
o reflection of the UV rays
o influencing circulation of air and water ways
o modifying the amount of moisture in the air
Explain 2 different interactions between the systems.
- The layer of dirt and soil on the Earth’s surface - the atmosphere (wind) and hydrosphere (water & ice) cause weathering and erosion of rocks, while the biosphere (plants & animal remains) adds organic components to the eroded rocks to produce fertile soil.
- Temperature differences on Earth - the mountain ranges of the lithosphere interact with low air pressure from the atmosphere and snowy precipitation of the hydrosphere to produce an icy climate zone. This climate zone drives adaptations of organisms in the region’s biosphere.
Explain the difference in Australia’s climate during El Nino
El Nino - warm winds flowing to australia as the eastery winds are stronger.
This results in the warm water being in Australia
The warm water evaporates and creates wet summers with rainfall
What are some pieces of evidence that indicate human-induced climate change?
global temperature changes
- rising sea levels
- loss of ice cover
How have human activities amplified the natural greenhouse effect?
- burning fossil fuels for energy
- deforestation and burning of forests
Explain how does the orientation of the Earth affect the Coriollis Effect?
The Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect.
State a chemical that aided in the ENhanced Greenhouse Effect and where they came from?
Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and various synthetic chemicals. Human activities – particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing – are increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases. This is increasing the greenhouse effect, which is contributing to warming of the Earth.
What is change to the averages of aspects of climate that persist for decades or longer?
Climate change is the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming, for example, warmer, wetter, or drier—over several decades or longer. It is the longer-term trend that differentiates climate change from natural weather variability.
what do glaciers and ice caps contain more of
Glaciers and ice caps contain most of the freshwater on Earth.
Most of the Earth’s _____ is (are) stored underground.
a. liquid fresh water
b. glaciers
c. liquid salt water
d. water vapor
Most of the Earth’s Liquid fresh water is (are) stored underground.
Explain the effects of a La Nina and an El Nino in Australia
La Nina causes widespread rain and flooding
- El Nino causes drier winters and droughts
