Transcript Earth As A System

Earth As A System
Life on Earth
• There are nine
planets in the solar
system, but yet only
one has life on it
• Why is that?
• Why do other
planets not have life
on them?
Earth as a System
Earth as a System
• Earth is much like
the human body,
with many different
parts working
together with the
purpose of
sustaining life
Earth
• Land covers 30% of Earth’s surface
• Water covers about 70%
• Atmosphere is layer of air around the
Earth, made up mainly of nitrogen and
oxygen
• Weathering and erosion shape the
Earth’s surface
• “Pulse of the Planet”
Earth
• Look at Cedar City on Google Earth
• Describe the physical characteristics of
Cedar City, including type of landforms,
rivers, etc.
Earth
• The inside of the Earth is a very busy place
• Melted rock and other materials are always
moving
• Activity builds up heat and pressure that
cause movements in the crust
• Sometimes, these movements can be felt as
earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of
mountains
Earth is Unique
• Compared to the
other planets in the
solar system, Earth
is very unique
• Let’s look at a few
reasons Earth is
unique
Earth is unique in our Solar System:
Mass of Earth Holds Right
Atmosphere Composition
Too Little Mass: Mars has very little
atmosphere and mostly carbon dioxide
Earth is unique in our Solar System:
Atmosphere stops lethal radiation
Classroom Resource: ozone blocks UV
radiation
Earth is unique in our Solar System:
Atmosphere keeps temperature even
Moon: tremendous diurnal fluctuations
(-250F to +250 F)
Venus: runaway greenhouse effect (864 F)
Earth is unique in our Solar System:
Atmospheric protects us from most
(but not all) extraterrestrial objects
Earth is unique in our Solar System:
Earth’s Spin is Just Right
Gives us the
Coriolis
Effect
(allowing
atmosphere
and oceans
to spin and
circulate)
But not too
harshly, like
jupiter
Using the Earth’s Resources
• Anything we use
from the Earth is
considered a natural
resource
• Air and Water are
natural resources
that are necessary
for survival
Earth’s Resources
• Plants and animals
we eat are
resources
• So are rocks,
minerals, soil, fossil
fuels, and many
other things
Renewable Resources
• Some resources can be replaced as
they are used.
• Trees are on example of renewable
resources.
• Can you think of any other examples?
Nonrenewable Resources
• Some resources cannot be replaced.
• Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal cannot be
replaced.
• Can you think of any other examples of
nonrenewable resources?
Earth’s Resources
• Think of Cedar City and the area around
Cedar City. What are some resources
in this area that you can think of?
Name as many as you can.