Atmosphere
What is the Earth's atmosphere?
An envelope that exchanges matter and energy with Earth's surface and surroundings
Name one component of the hydrosphere
lakes, seas, polar ice caps, swamps, glaciers, and clouds.
What is the lithosphere?
The Earth's rigid outer layer, including the crust and uppermost mantle
What does climate change refer to?
Changes in Earth's average climate conditions
Which of the following is a characteristic of the atmosphere?
It surrounds our planet
Approximately what percentage of Earth's surface is covered by water?
70%
Which resources are obtained from the lithosphere?
Rocks and minerals
By approximately how much has Earth's average temperature increased?
2°C
Why is the atmosphere important for life on Earth?
It helps create conditions that allow life to develop
Approximately what percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
2.5%
Which minerals are especially abundant in the lithosphere?
Silicates
Example of the climate change:
higher temperatures, changes in annual rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels as ice melts at an accelerated rate
What is the greenhouse effect?
This phenomenon occurs when greenhouse gases absorb heat and re-radiate it in different directions, contributing to Earth's warming.
Approximately what percentage of freshwater is not available for human consumption?
70%
Name 1 chemical element used in everyday life obtained in the Lithosphere
iron, calcium, sodium, and potassium
what causes climate change?
greenhouse gases absorb much of this heat and re-radiate it in all directions
Explain solar radiation and its absorption.
This is the type of radiation from the Sun that reaches Earth and can be absorbed by its surface as heat.
Why can't humans use all the freshwater on Earth for drinking?
Why are rocks and fossils important to scientists?
They show how Earth's geological history and life have changed over time
About how long ago was much of the United States covered by glaciers that no longer exist today?
20,000 years ago