Conditions for life on Earth Flashcards
1
Q
What does the term ‘goldilocks’ mean?
A
The Earth is in a position in the solar system where it is not too hot/cold (allows life to exist)
2
Q
Why is the earth being in the ‘Goldilocks zone’ important?
A
- Allows for liquid water
- Appropriate temperatures for enzyme activity (0-40 degrees Celsius)
3
Q
What does orbital behaviour cause?
A
- Daily fluctuation in sunlight
- Seasonal fluctuations
- Tides
4
Q
What is the importance of orbital behaviour?
A
- Variation in exposure to UV
- Controls surface temperature (0-40 degrees Celsius)
5
Q
How is the magnetosphere produced?
A
By the rotation of the Earths core
6
Q
Why is the magnetosphere important?
A
- Deflects solar radiation
7
Q
How does the Ozone layer form?
A
- Diatomic oxygen is broken apart by UV into monotomic oxygen. This is highly reactive so reacts with diatomic oxygen which then forms triatomic oxygen (ozone)
8
Q
Why is the ozone layer important?
A
- Utilises UV, less UVB reaches the Earths surface
- UVB is a mutagen — Causes cataracts, skin cancer + leaf damage
9
Q
Why is the ozone layer important?
A
- Utilises UV, less UVB reaches the Earths surface
- UVB is a mutagen — Causes cataracts, skin cancer + leaf damage
10
Q
What causes the water cycle?
A
Thermal energy from the sun causes water to evaporate, once cooled it precipitates. Plants return the water to the atmosphere via transpiration.
11
Q
What is the importance of the water cycle?
A
- Allows life to exist on land further away from the coast
- Important for the Earths Energy Balance: Water vapour forms clouds and controls surface temperature (albedo)
