Lesson On Earth

Lesson on Earth
Introduction
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life. With its unique
atmosphere, liquid water, and diverse ecosystems, Earth provides a delicate balance of
conditions necessary for sustaining life. It has one natural satellite, the Moon, and is part of a
system of eight planets orbiting the Sun.
1. Basic Facts About Earth
Earth is a terrestrial planet composed of rock and metal, with an average diameter of 12,742
km. It orbits the Sun at an average distance of 149.6 million km (1 Astronomical Unit), taking
about 365.25 days to complete one revolution, which defines our year.
Key Facts:
 Diameter: 12,742 km.

 Distance from the Sun: 149.6 million km.
 Orbital period: 365.25 days.
 Rotation period: 24 hours (Earth day).
2. Structure of Earth
Earth is composed of several layers:
1. Core:
 Inner core: Solid and made primarily of iron and nickel, with temperatures as high as
5,400°C.
 Outer core: A liquid layer surrounding the inner core, which generates Earth's magnetic
field.
2. Mantle:
 The thickest layer, made of silicate rocks that slowly move, driving plate tectonics.
3. Crust:
 The thin, outermost layer where we live. It’s divided into continental crust and oceanic
crust.
Key Points:
 Earth has a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

 The mantle causes the movement of tectonic plates.
 The crust is where Earth's landforms, oceans, and atmosphere exist.
3. Earth’s Atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the planet and is essential for life. It acts as
a shield, protecting us from harmful solar radiation and space debris, while also maintaining the
temperature necessary for liquid water.
Composition:
 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and traces of other gases like argon and carbon dioxide.
 The atmosphere is divided into layers, including:
o Troposphere: Where weather occurs.
o Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer, which protects life from the Sun's
ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
o Mesosphere: Where meteors burn up.
o Thermosphere: Contains the ionosphere, important for radio communication.
o Exosphere: The outermost layer, where the atmosphere thins into space.
Key Points:
 The atmosphere regulates temperature and supports life.

 The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs harmful UV radiation.
4. Water on Earth
Earth is known as the "Blue Planet" because about 71% of its surface is covered in water,
mostly in the form of oceans. Earth's ability to sustain liquid water is one of the reasons it
supports life.
Water Distribution:
 97% of Earth’s water is in oceans, which play a critical role in regulating climate and
supporting marine ecosystems.
 Only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, most of which is locked in glaciers and ice caps.
Less than 1% is accessible in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
Importance of Water:
 Water is essential for all life forms.
 Oceans regulate climate by absorbing heat and distributing it around the globe through
currents.
5. Plate Tectonics
Earth’s crust is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid upper mantle. The
movement of these plates causes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the creation of mountain
ranges.
Types of Plate Boundaries:
 Divergent boundaries: Where plates move apart, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
 Convergent boundaries: Where plates collide, leading to mountain building (like the
Himalayas) or subduction zones (where one plate is pushed under another, creating
volcanoes).
 Transform boundaries: Where plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes (such as
the San Andreas Fault).
Key Points:
 Tectonic activity shapes Earth’s surface.

 Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
6. Earth’s Climate and Seasons
Earth’s climate is driven by its atmosphere and interactions between the Sun, oceans, and
landmasses. Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5°, causing seasonal changes as the planet orbits the Sun.
Key Points:
 Seasons: Caused by Earth’s axial tilt. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the
Sun, it experiences summer, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter, and vice
versa.
 Climate Zones: Earth is divided into tropical, temperate, and polar zones, based on
latitude and the amount of sunlight received.
7. Earth's Biosphere
The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists. It includes land, water, and
the atmosphere, forming the interconnected environment that sustains life.
Key Points:
 The biosphere interacts with Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere
(land).
 Biodiversity: Earth is home to millions of species, and healthy ecosystems are critical for
maintaining balance and life support systems.
8. Natural Resources
Earth is rich in natural resources that support human life and civilization, including:
 Renewable resources: Such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

 Non-renewable resources: Like fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which are limited
and contribute to environmental pollution and climate change when burned.
Sustainable Use:
 The overuse of non-renewable resources has led to environmental issues like global
warming and deforestation. Sustainable practices focus on reducing pollution and
protecting natural resources for future generations.
9. Human Impact on Earth
Human activities have significantly altered Earth’s ecosystems, contributing to challenges like
climate change, pollution, deforestation, and the extinction of species. The burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities release greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the
atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Key Points:
 Climate change: Rising global temperatures affect weather patterns, ice caps, sea levels,
and biodiversity.
 Pollution: Plastic waste, air pollution, and water contamination harm ecosystems.
 Efforts like recycling, using renewable energy, and reducing carbon emissions can
mitigate human impact on Earth.
10. Earth’s Moon

Earth’s only natural satellite, the Moon, influences tides and stabilizes Earth’s axial tilt, which is
essential for maintaining the seasonal cycle.
Key Points:
 The Moon’s gravity causes tides, with high and low tides occurring daily.
 The Moon stabilizes Earth’s tilt, preventing extreme climate shifts.
Conclusion
Earth is a dynamic planet, rich with life, water, and diverse ecosystems. It has a complex system
of tectonic activity, climate patterns, and atmospheric layers that together create a habitable
environment. However, human activity has significantly impacted Earth's natural systems, and
sustainable practices are essential to preserving it for future generations.
Questions for Review:
1. What makes Earth unique in the solar system?

2. What are the main layers of Earth, and what are their characteristics?
3. How does Earth’s atmosphere support life?
4. What causes Earth’s seasons?
5. Why is sustainable resource management important for Earth’s future?

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Lesson on Earth

1. Basic Facts About Earth

 Diameter: 12,742 km.

Earth is composed of several layers:

 Earth has a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

 The atmosphere regulates temperature and supports life.

Types of Plate Boundaries:

 Tectonic activity shapes Earth’s surface.

6. Earth’s Climate and Seasons

 Renewable resources: Such as solar, wind, and hydro power.

9. Human Impact on Earth

10. Earth’s Moon

Questions for Review:

1. What makes Earth unique in the solar system?

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