Astronomy Term Two Test Learning Outcomes Flashcards
studying for term two test (celebration of intelect
name the terrestrial planets
mercury, venus, earth, mars, (moon)
name the existing moons of each terrestrial planet
mercury ; none
venus ; none
earth ; one (THE moon)
mars ; two (phobos and deimos)
what are the steps in terrestrial planet formation
first; the planet forms and energy turns into thermal energy in the planet’s interior.
second; differentiation converted additional energy as the denser materials sank to the core
third; radioactive materials decay and release heat into planetary interiors
what are the 3 layers of all terrestrial worlds interiors?
Core, Mantle, Crust
What is the density of the core?
the core is always made of the highest density materials such as metals (remember that this was the densest material as it sunk to the CORE during differentiation)
What is the density of the mantle?
The density of the mantle is moderate, as this is the material with high enough densities to sink past the crust but not dense enough to exist within the core.
What is the density of the Crust?
this is the lowest density, makes up our earths skin.
2 geological features of earth
All 4 geological processes exist on earth
Earth is unique for our tectonic plate processes
2 geological features of the moon
the moon is geologically dead
has few tectonic features but no evidence for recent geological activity
2 geological features of mars
evidence for all 4 geological processes but no active volcanism or tectonics
has present water but only in the form of water ice
2 geological features of mercury
considered geologically dead
few tectonic features bot no evidence for recent geological activity
2 geological features of venus
active volcano
impact craters (far less than the moon, mercury and mars tho)
4 surface shaping features of the terrestrial worlds
- Tectonics
- Impact Craters
- Volcanism
- Erosion
Role of internal heating in terrestrial planets surface features
Internal heating is required for volcanic and tectonics
What makes up earths atmosphere?
Nitrogen, Oxygen, Small amounts of other gases
What makes up Mercury’s atmosphere?
Helium, Sodium and Oxygen
What makes up Mars’ atmosphere?
Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Argon
What makes up Venus’ atmosphere?
Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The greenhouse effect is what prevents our planet from freezing. It is the process of greenhouse gasses in an atmosphere warming the planets surface.
What is the Runaway Greenhouse Effect (aka) Positive Feedback Loop
The concept in which evaporation (& greater capacity for water-vapor) causes more water-vapor, causing more greenhouse gasses, causing planetary temperatures to rise, causing more evaporation, more water-vapor, more greenhouse gas, higher planetary temperatures (and a continuous loop until the planet inevitably becomes geologically dead)
What are the causes of climate change?
Human activity causes excess greenhouse gasses.
Difference between the greenhouse effect and the ozone hole
the greenhouse effect is a natural process that allows planetary surfaces to warm due to trapped gasses.
The ozone hole is in place due to human behavior driving excess greenhouse gasses causing temperature to rise in our atmosphere and damaging it.
Name the Jovian Planets
Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune
Jovian Planet Formation
Jovian planets formed in the cold reaches of the solar system, far from the sun. Due to this their cold temperature allowed the hydrogen compounds to turn into ice, and grow large enough to create a gravitational pull to draw in hydrogen and helium surrounding them and grow larger.