Name Nova Earth From Space Worksheet ✓ Solved

Name Nova Earth From Space Worksheetas Yo

As you watch the program "Earth From Space," use the transcript provided to help you answer these questions. Words that appear in bold face type in the transcript are vocabulary words. Please take the time to look up their meanings if you don't already know them.

1. Earth is often referred to as the "blue marble" by earth scientists. What are the three dominant colors of Earth as seen from space and what causes them? If you were to choose a fourth color that is visible - what would it be and what would cause it?

2. The 120 satellites orbiting mentioned in this program, the ones that are watching our Earth, are positioned at altitudes ranging from ________________ to ________________ miles above the Earth's surface.

3. List the major regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing energy.

4. What are two reasons given to explain why the poles are colder on average than the rest of the planet?

5. List the spheres of the Earth and state the domain of each sphere. The first one is done as an example: a. biosphere - life.

6. What is density? How is the density of air affected by its temperature?

7. What is a feedback loop? How is a positive feedback loop different from a negative feedback loop?

8. What is a geostationary orbit?

9. A major theme of this program is the interconnectedness of Earth. Choose one example of how this is demonstrated and summarize it here:

10. What is Antarctica so much colder on average than the Arctic?

11. The dense water in Antarctica forms the basis of global ________________________. Why is this critical to life of the whole planet?

12. Volcanoes are typically presented as natural disasters. How are they beneficial to life on Earth?

13. "MODIS is the crown jewel of the Aqua satellite." Explain this statement.

14. What is diatomite and what element, essential to life, does it provide?

15. The great plains of North America are rich in minerals from where?

16. Where does the oxygen we breathe come from?

17. What nutrient does lightning produce?

18. The way wildfires are reported in the news they are characterized as tragic disasters but they also have benefits. Explain.

19. What is a solar mass ejection and what would it do to our planet if Earth did not have a magnetic field?

20. List a few ways that humans have made major changes on the Earth.

21. Pick something discussed in this program and NOT mentioned in these questions that was interesting to you and summarize it here.

Paper For Above Instructions

The program "Earth From Space" showcases the beauty and complexity of our planet, often referred to as the "blue marble" owing to its vibrant colors when seen from space. The three dominant colors visible from this perspective are blue, green, and white. The deep blue color predominantly comes from the vast expanses of oceans, which cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface. The green hues are largely due to the presence of forests and grasslands, while the white indicates the polar ice caps and cloud cover. If I were to choose a fourth color, it might be brown, representing deserts and arid regions, influenced by the lack of vegetation and water.

The altitudes of the observed satellites vary between 200 and 22,000 miles above the Earth's surface. These satellites play a critical role in monitoring environmental changes and conducting research on climate patterns.

In understanding the electromagnetic spectrum, the major regions in order of increasing energy include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. This arrangement highlights the increasing energy levels as one moves up the spectrum.

Two key reasons explaining why the poles are typically colder than other regions on Earth include the angle of sunlight incidence and the presence of ice. At the poles, sunlight strikes at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger surface area, which leads to lower temperatures. Additionally, the reflective quality of ice decreases heat absorption, further contributing to the colder climate.

The Earth is divided into several spheres, each with its specific domain: the biosphere (life), atmosphere (air), lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and cryosphere (ice). Each of these spheres interacts dynamically to create the conditions necessary for life.

Density is defined as mass per unit volume. The density of air decreases with increasing temperature; warmer air expands, resulting in lower density, whereas cooler air is denser and sinks.

A feedback loop refers to a system where an output of a process influences its operation, creating a cycle. A positive feedback loop amplifies changes, leading to an even greater outcome, while a negative feedback loop counteracts changes, promoting stability within the system.

A geostationary orbit is a specific orbital path where a satellite appears to remain stationary relative to a point on the Earth, typically positioned approximately 22,236 miles above the equator. This positioning allows for constant monitoring and communication capabilities.

The interconnectedness of Earth is exemplified by the water cycle, where water evaporates into the atmosphere, precipitates back to Earth's surface, and is then utilized by various ecosystems. This constant exchange illustrates how interconnected systems can sustain life on our planet.

Antarctica is significantly colder than the Arctic due to its elevation, land characteristics, and ice coverage. The Antarctic region is a landmass situated at a higher altitude compared to the Arctic, which is primarily oceanic, allowing for better heat retention in contrast to the icy continent.

The dense water in Antarctica forms the basis of global ocean circulation, known as thermohaline circulation. This process is crucial for distributing heat and nutrients worldwide, thereby supporting marine life and influencing weather patterns.

While volcanoes are often viewed negatively, they are beneficial to the Earth in several ways. Volcanic eruptions can create new landforms, release nutrients into the soil, and provide geothermal energy, supporting ecosystems and human activities.

The statement "MODIS is the crown jewel of the Aqua satellite" refers to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, a key instrument onboard NASA's Aqua satellite. MODIS provides critical data on land, oceans, and atmosphere, facilitating climate research and natural disaster monitoring.

Diatomite is a sedimentary rock composed of fossilized diatoms, which are microscopic algae. It provides silicon, an essential element for various life forms, including plants and animals that rely on it for structural purposes.

The great plains of North America are rich in minerals due to the sediment deposited by ancient river systems and glacial activity, forming fertile soil that supports agriculture.

The oxygen we breathe primarily comes from photosynthetic organisms, including trees and phytoplankton, which utilize sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose.

Lightning produces nutrients such as nitrogen oxides, which precipitate as nitrates in rainfall, enriching the soil and supporting plant growth.

Wildfires, often portrayed as destructive, serve ecological purposes by clearing dead vegetation, allowing new growth and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They also promote biodiversity by creating habitats for various species.

A solar mass ejection is a significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar wind. If Earth lacked a magnetic field, such events could severely disrupt our atmosphere, damaging electronics and increasing radiation exposure.

Humans have made significant changes to the Earth through urbanization, deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These alterations have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, weather patterns, and biodiversity.

One interesting aspect discussed in the program was the role of satellite technology in environmental monitoring. Satellites provide invaluable data for understanding climate change, managing natural resources, and predicting natural disasters, highlighting how technology can be integrated into environmental science to promote sustainability.

References

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (2021). Earth from Space: An Overview.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2023). The Importance of the Ocean Conveyor Belt.
• Montgomery, D. R. (2012). The Rocks Don't Lie: A Geologist Investigates Noah's Flood. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov
• Smith, R. (2020). Volcanoes: Nature's Hot Spots. Scientific American.
• Kirk, Y. (2015). The Effects of Wildfires on Ecosystems. Earth Observatory.
• Barber, R. T., & Hiscock, M. (2018). Life on Earth: The Interconnectedness of Life. Oxford University Press.
• Lindsey, R. (2019). What is a Geostationary Satellite? National Weather Service.
• Graham, N.A.J. (2020). Understanding Positive and Negative Feedback Loops in Environmental Systems. Journal of Ecology.
• Álvaro, T. M., & Pine, J. (2021). The Role of Diatoms in Biogeochemical Cycles. International Journal of Oceanography.