Conditions For Life On Earth

Mass Distance from sun Axis of rotation Speed of rotation Magnetic field

Presence of liquid Temperature range Atmospheric gases Solar insulation

• Large mass and gravitational pull which keeps the atmosphere close • Contains important gases: CO2, N2 AND CH4 • Temperature and pressure means water is in liquid form

Suitable temperature range for enzyme action and water in liquid state Provides energy for photosynthesis Amount absorbed depends upon the albedo of the surface

• 3rd rock from the sun • Temperature warm enough for enzyme action

• Rotation and tilt of the earth on its axis and its orbit around the sun • Controls daily and seasonal variations in isolation and temperatures • Enough day length to stop temperature extremes and light for photosynthesis

Provides protection from solar radiation Produced by the movement of earths molten core

Solvent water Transport within organisms Temperature controls Anomalous expansion on freezing (most dense at 4°C) High specific heat capacity Aquatic habitats Absorption of UV radiation

Temperatures between 0°-35°

Carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids Nitrogen for protein synthesis

Atmospheric oxygen Carbon sequestration by photosynthetic organisms Biogeochemical Transpiration

• Lack of ancient historical data. • Limited reliability of proxy data for ancient conditions. • Limited coordination between researchers. • Lack of sophisticated equipment for accurate measurements. • Inability to measure many factors. • Lack of data collection in many areas. • Reliance on proxy data, eg dendrochronology, pollen analysis.

• Collection of long-term data sets. • The use of electronic monitoring equipment. • Gas analysis of ice cores. • Isotope analysis of ice cores. • Improved carriers for monitoring equipment, eg helium balloons, aircraft, satellites.