Conditions for life

Question 1

What is insolation?

Answer 1

The amount of solar radiation that arrives at a specific location, typically expressed in terms of energy per unit area

Question 2

What is Albedo?

Answer 2

This is a measure of the reflectivity of a surface, specifically the fraction of sunlight or other radiation that is reflected by a surface.

Question 3

What is albedo of 0

Answer 3

Represents a perfectly absorbing black body

Question 4

What is albedo of 1

Answer 4

A perfectly reflective body that reflect all incident radiation

Question 5

The availability of liquid water
1. High specific heat capacity

Answer 5

It’s high specific heat capacity, means it can absorb a lot of heat before it increases in temperature. It can store vast amounts of solar enery during the day and release it over time - moderating the earth’s climate.

Question 6

The availability of liquid water
2. Solvent

Answer 6

The solvent properties of water enhance its availability by enabling it to interact with and transport various substances. It makes nutrients more readily accessible.

Question 7

The availability of liquid water
3. CO2 dissolved in sea water

Answer 7

The dissolution of CO2 in sea water is a critical factor that influences not just the chemical properties of the ocean but it’s biological intergrity. Reduced carbonate (shells / skeletons) and lowered PH levels (coral bleaching) are two key factors

Question 8

What influences the appropriate temperature range of the earth

Answer 8

1. Greenhouse effect
2. Albedo of the earth
3. Position in the solar system

Question 9

O2 and CO2 exist as gases, why is this important?

Answer 9

This allows aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.

Question 10

True / False, the Ozone layer absorbs UV

Answer 10

True

Question 11

Why is the ozone layer important?

Answer 11

It absorbs harmful UV light (UV-B) which can cause cancers and it regulates the climate by absorbing solar energy, maintaining the temperature range

Question 12

Why is nitrogen important?

Answer 12

Important for making
1. Proteins (amino acids)
2. Nucleic acids (DNA / RNA)
3. The nitrogen cycle (allow plants to grow)
4. Chlorophyll (key component)
5. Energy transfer in cells

Question 13

Describe 3 key uses of the magnetic field

Answer 13

1. Keeps atmosphere in place
2. Deflects solar winds
3. Used by animals for navigation

Question 14

How do seasons influence life?

Answer 14

1. Variable periods of day and night
2. Variable insolation (more in summer)
3. Variable light intensity for photosynthesis

Question 15

What would happen if the earth was farther away from the sun?

Answer 15

1. Temperature on earth would be lower
2. Low enzyme activity (outside the optimal range )
3. No liquid water (frozen - ice age)
4. Longer years (impact seasons)

Question 16

What would happen if the earth had a core containing no iron?

Answer 16

1. No magnetic field
2. No ozone layer
3. Exposure to solar winds

Question 17

Why is exposure to solar winds bad?

Answer 17

1. Impact technology (charged particles impact systems and satellites)
2. Impact power grids
   (charged particles cause voltage fluctuations)
3. Increased Radiation exposure
4. Impact magnetic fields

Question 18

What would happen if earth had a lower mass

Answer 18

1. Lower gravitational pull (affect weight of objects, ability to retain gasses)
2. Atmospheric loss
3. Loss of ozone layer
4. No greenhouse effect