Conditions for life
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What is insolation?
The amount of solar radiation that arrives at a specific location, typically expressed in terms of energy per unit area
What is Albedo?
This is a measure of the reflectivity of a surface, specifically the fraction of sunlight or other radiation that is reflected by a surface.
What is albedo of 0
Represents a perfectly absorbing black body
What is albedo of 1
A perfectly reflective body that reflect all incident radiation
The availability of liquid water 1. High specific heat capacity
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.
The availability of liquid water 2. Solvent
The solvent properties of water enhance its availability by enabling it to interact with and transport various substances. It makes nutrients more readily accessible.
The availability of liquid water 3. CO2 dissolved in sea water
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
What influences the appropriate temperature range of the earth
• Greenhouse effect • Albedo of the earth • Position in the solar system
O2 and CO2 exist as gases, why is this important?
This allows aerobic respiration and photosynthesis.
True / False, the Ozone layer absorbs UV
True
Why is the ozone layer important?
It absorbs harmful UV light (UV-B) which can cause cancers and it regulates the climate by absorbing solar energy, maintaining the temperature range
Why is nitrogen important?
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
Describe 3 key uses of the magnetic field
• Keeps atmosphere in place • Deflects solar winds • Used by animals for navigation
How do seasons influence life?
• Variable periods of day and night • Variable insolation (more in summer) • Variable light intensity for photosynthesis
What would happen if the earth was farther away from the sun?
• Temperature on earth would be lower • Low enzyme activity (outside the optimal range ) • No liquid water (frozen - ice age) • Longer years (impact seasons)
What would happen if the earth had a core containing no iron?
• No magnetic field • No ozone layer • Exposure to solar winds
Why is exposure to solar winds bad?
• Impact technology (charged particles impact systems and satellites) • Impact power grids (charged particles cause voltage fluctuations) • Increased Radiation exposure • Impact magnetic fields
What would happen if earth had a lower mass
• Lower gravitational pull (affect weight of objects, ability to retain gasses) • Atmospheric loss • Loss of ozone layer • No greenhouse effect