Unit 1 Intro to Environmental Science Chapter 3 The Dynamic Earth
Lesson Outline
We learned that Earth’s interior is divided into layers based on both composition and physical characteristics. We learned that the theory of tectonic plates states that Earth’s crust is broken into rigid plates. These plates move slowly over Earth’s surface a few centimeters per year. We learned that forces that cause plates to move come from deep within Earth’s mantle which flows in a plastic way caused by convection.
The Atmosphere – We learned that commercial planes fly at about 10,000 m because the air at that altitude is less dense which causes less drag and requires less fuel. The air is also less turbulent above the clouds. We learned that the air we breathe is mostly nitrogen. We learned that observers report hearing a crackling noise when watching the Aurora. Scientists believe that the electromagnetic effects of the Aurora affect the human nervous system and cause it to generate this noise in the human brain, but it doesn’t really exist. Next, we learned that the ozone in the stratosphere protects life on earth by reducing the amount of damaging UV radiation that can reach the Earth’s surface.
Section 2 The Atmosphere – We began to look at the layers of the atmosphere. We learned that the troposphere is where all living things are found. This is also where the weather occurs. The next layer is the stratosphere which is where most of the ozone in our atmosphere is found. Weather balloons can reach the lowest part of this layer. The mesosphere is the next layer is the coldest layer. Although the air is thin, it can also burn up meteors. The thermosphere is heated up by the sun is very hot. Space shuttles and the international space station orbit in the middle to upper part of this layer. The aurora borealis also occurs in this layer.
We learned about the 5 spheres on Earth. We learned about the types of tectonic plates and the process of seafloor spreading which forms along mid-ocean ridges such as the mid-Atlantic ridge. Then we discussed the composition of the layers in Earth’s core.
