This standard is asking to explain how the atmosphere protects the life on Earth and how it protects the planet itself.
The atmosphere is the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth. The functions include protection from the sun, maintaining temperature, and supplying gases that are necessary for breathing.
The atmosphere protects life on Earth because it reflects most of the radiation from the sun. The ozone layer (the layer in the stratosphere that contains high concentration of ozone) absorbs most of the solar radiation. There are many parts of the atmosphere that help to protect the Earth. Ozone Layer- The ozone layer absorbs most of the solar radiation. The thickness changes throughout the seasons. Scientists have found an overall decreasing in volume of the ozone layer over time. This is not good because if it gets to thin, not enough radiation will be absorbed. The greenhouse affect- the greenhouse affect is a process by which the atmosphere's gases absorb and radiate energy as heat back to Earth. Shortwave radiation from the sun reaches Earth's surface and re-radiates back to the atmosphere. Link to quiz! : http://www.quizyourfriends.com/take-quiz.php?id=1502031449059979&a=1& |