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Chapter 9: Problem 1

Describe the various ways in which the Earth is unique among the planets of our solar system.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Earth is unique in having life, liquid water in all its states, a breathable atmosphere, a protective magnetic field, active plate tectonics, and being in the habitable zone of the sun. These factors make Earth the only planet in our solar system known to support life.

Step by step solution

01

Presence of Life

Earth is so far the only planet in the solar system where life is known to exist. The conditions on Earth are just right to support life — not too hot like Venus, and not too cold like Mars.
02

Presence of Liquid Water

Earth is the only planet in our solar system where water is present in all three states - solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor). Water is crucial for sustaining life.
03

Earth's Atmosphere

Earth has an atmosphere that contains 21% oxygen, which is essential for most life forms. This breathable atmosphere is unique to Earth in our solar system.
04

Earth's Magnetic Field

Earth has a strong magnetic field that protects it from harmful solar radiation. This magnetic field, generated by the movement of molten iron within the Earth's outer core, is another characteristic that makes our planet unique.
05

Plate Tectonics

Earth is the only known planet with active plate tectonics, which is crucial for recycling of carbon. This process plays a major role in keeping the planet’s temperature regulated.
06

The Right Environment

Located in the habitable zone of the sun, Earth enjoys moderate temperatures which support life. This perfect position is unique among all other planets.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement made by a number of nations around the world to reduce their production of greenhouse gases. Use the World Wide Web to investigate the status of the Kyoto Protocol. How many nations have signed the protocol? What fraction of the world's greenhouse gas production comes from these nations? Have any developed nations failed to sign? How effective has the protocol been?

Why do geologists suspect that Pangaea was the most recent in a succession of supercontinents?

The Earth is at perihelion on January 3 and at aphelion on July 4. Because of precession, in 15,000 A.D. the amount of sunlight in summer will be more than at present in the northern hemisphere but less than at present in the southern hemisphere. Explain why.

Describe how energy is transferred from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere by both convection and radiation.

Measurements of the sea floor show that the Eurasian and North American plates have moved \(60 \mathrm{~km}\) apart in the past \(3.3\) million years. How far apart (in millimeters) do they move in one year? (By comparison, your fingernails grow at a rate of about \(50 \mathrm{~mm} /\) year.)
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