PLANETARY COMPARISON OF EARTH

Planetary Comparison of Earth

Planetary Comparison of Earth

Introduction

According to most recent research, we all know that Earth is the only planet of our solar system that has life on it. Earth is blessed with a unique nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere that gives it a comfortable, livable surface temperature (Bohlin, 2008). The greenhouse effect does warm Earth, but not to a severe level. Without its effect, Earth's global temperature would be below freezing and unable to sustain life. Oceans and rocks capture a large amount of the carbon dioxide that is released during outgassing (Bennett, 2003). This process keeps the carbon dioxide gas at a reasonable enough atmospheric level to moderate the greenhouse effect. Surprisingly, Earth's climates have remained relatively consistent despite the continued warming of the Sun. Earth's unique carbon dioxide cycle moves the gas from atmosphere to rocks and/or ocean, and then back into the atmosphere. This cycle maintains the important balance between the carbon dioxide from volcanoes, which results in the consistent climate found on Earth. Unlike Mars and Venus, Earth managed to retain its water content. Earth's water content can probably account for the fact that life can survive here (Bennett, 2002).

Properties of Earth

Earth's atmosphere contains a unique layering called the stratosphere. Within the stratosphere are ozone molecules that absorb ultraviolet rays from the Sun. This ozone layer acts as a protective blanket that surrounds the life forces on Earth. Damaging UVA and UVB rays would alter Earth, and its inhabitants, if the ozone layer were not present. In recent years, a hole in the ozone layer was discovered. The severe impact of potentially losing the ozone layer is beginning to draw much attention to humankind. Earth's inhabitants are responsible for caring for this well-balanced planet so it can continue to be suitable to our needs. Without Earth as a home, humans would not survive (Bohlin, 2008).

Major Contributors to Shape & Change of Earth's Surface

There are several factors that contribute to the shaping of Earth's surface are volcanoes and erosion. When molten rock makes its way to the surface through the lithosphere, a volcanic eruption is inevitable. The surface changes that result from volcanic flows depends on the viscosity of the molten lava. Volcanism, like plate tectonics, requires a hot planet interior. Volcanic eruptions are not unique to Earth; other planets exhibit evidence of their power and destruction. Erosion, on the other hand, is unique to our planet. It occurs when surface features are broken down, or built up, because of water and/or wind. Erosion has caused some incredibly beautiful places here on Earth, one of which is the Grand Canyon (Bennett, 2002).

Our planet has undergone remarkable changes since its inception billions of years ago. Many processes have carved the Earth's surface throughout its history; those same practices are currently taking place beneath our feet everyday (Milne, 2006). The four major perpetrators shaping our world include:

Erosion: the wearing down or building up of geological features by wind, water, ice, and other phenomena of planetary ...