Biosphere Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 3 layers of the biosphere?

A

The atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere

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2
Q

What is the steady state theory?

A

The universe is always expanding but is remaining at the same density with matter being created whilst some is unobservable.

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3
Q

What is the Gaia theory?

A

The earths surface and everything on it is self regulating (Gaia). Gaia keeps the climate and chemical composition of Earth in homeostasis.

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4
Q

What are the components of the atmosphere and their percentages?

A

Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon <1%
Water vapour
Carbon dioxide

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5
Q

What is the tropospshere?

A

The lowest level of the atmosphere where temperature decreases with altitude. This is the area responsible for weather formation.

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6
Q

What is the stratosphere?

A

The second lowest level of the atmosphere which contains the ozone layer.

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7
Q

Where is sunlight absorbed and reflected? (percentages)

A

23% is absorbed by the atmosphere
46% is absorbed by the earth’s surface
6% is reflected by the earth
8% is reflected by the atmosphere
17% is reflected by the clouds

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8
Q

How much heat reaches the lithosphere and hydrosphere?

A

46%

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9
Q

Without greenhouse gases, how much colder would earth be?

A

33 degrees

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10
Q

What angle is the Earth tilted at?

A

23.5

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11
Q

Where is the heat equator?

A

Over the tropic of capricorn.

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12
Q

How is the global heat moved?

A

80% is due to atmospheric circulation
20% of the global heat budget is moved by the hydrosphere

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13
Q

What is the lithosphere?

A

The earth’s crust and solid outer layer of the earth. It has a range of minerals and undergoes weathering and chemical processes.

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14
Q

What is the predicted water scarcity in the Uk and across the equator?

A

10-20% in UK
More than 40% across the equator

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15
Q

Which soil types are well draining?

A

Chalky and sandy

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16
Q

What are trade winds?

A

Winds which blow east to west, bringing heat towards the equator

17
Q

What happens during el niño

A

Warm water is blown eastward and the warm water layer is too thick to upwell the cold. Without the nutrients from the cold, fish populations migrare or die.

18
Q

What are the 5 layers of the atmosphere?

A

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.

19
Q

What is the mesosphere?

A

The layer where meteors burn up and the air is too thick to breathe.

20
Q

What is the thermosphere?

A

The layer where x-rays and UV radiation is absorbed

21
Q

What is the exosphere?

A

The outermost layer where air is very thin.