Earth’s Unique place in the solar system

1. Earth’s Unique place in the solar system Ms. Scott

2. Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System • From a great distance the Earth is not particularly outstading planet within our Solar System • It is very similar in size compared to the other terrestrial plants • Its rotational period, and distance away from the other planets follow a similar pattern compared to the other planets

3. Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System • It’s not until you move closer that you will notice Earth’s unique features • The only planet where water exists in all 3 states • Earth’s distance from the sun is such a range that water can stay in a liquid state • Vast oceans are a unique feature found no where else in the solar system • Just the right size so gravity can hold onto its gaseous atmosphere

4. Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System • Other bodies such as Mars have lost their atmosphere due to lack of gravity • Earth is the only planet with large quantities of gas within their atmosphere • 24 hour rotation period fast enough that temp. remain below freezing for long periods of time during the night, and extremely high in the day • The regulation of the temperature by the atmosphere and oceans also reduce extreme temperatures

5. Goldilocks Problem of Climatology • Earth lies within the narrow continuously habitable zone (CHZ) (which lies between Venus and Mars) • where a planet could theoretically have a surface temp. of -80 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius over a long period of time so life can evolve. • Mars also lies with in this zone , but its smaller mass and lower gravitational attraction make it impossible to hold the gases in the atmosphere that are necessary for life.

6. End of Unit 2 • Complete Chapter 2 Review • Use complete sentences • This will be your mark for this unit rather than a test.