Biosphere Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the biosphere?
The atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere
What is the steady state theory?
The universe is always expanding but is remaining at the same density with matter being created whilst some is unobservable.
What is the Gaia theory?
The earths surface and everything on it is self regulating (Gaia). Gaia keeps the climate and chemical composition of Earth in homeostasis.
What are the components of the atmosphere and their percentages?
Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon <1%
Water vapour
Carbon dioxide
What is the tropospshere?
The lowest level of the atmosphere where temperature decreases with altitude. This is the area responsible for weather formation.
What is the stratosphere?
The second lowest level of the atmosphere which contains the ozone layer.
Where is sunlight absorbed and reflected? (percentages)
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
How much heat reaches the lithosphere and hydrosphere?
46%
Without greenhouse gases, how much colder would earth be?
33 degrees
What angle is the Earth tilted at?
23.5
Where is the heat equator?
Over the tropic of capricorn.
How is the global heat moved?
80% is due to atmospheric circulation
20% of the global heat budget is moved by the hydrosphere
What is the lithosphere?
The earth’s crust and solid outer layer of the earth. It has a range of minerals and undergoes weathering and chemical processes.
What is the predicted water scarcity in the Uk and across the equator?
10-20% in UK
More than 40% across the equator
Which soil types are well draining?
Chalky and sandy
