GRG 301C Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Nitrogen Cycle, Weathering, Geosphere
22 Feb 2017
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Overview: makes our planet distinct from all others in the solar system, mercury: low gravity, barely any atmosphere, venus, completely surrounds planet earth, held to earth by gravitational attraction, attachment is loose. Moves on its own; though accompanies earth on it orbit around. Sun: extends up to around 10,000 km. Most of its mass is at low altitudes: penetrates below ground surface (geosphere) In caves and rocks, soil pores: also dissolves in water (hydrosphere) Importance of earth systems: supplies most oxygen needed by organisms, supplies most carbon dioxide needed by plants, helps maintain freshwater supply (essential in water cycle) Regulates temperature of the planet: shields the earth from the sun"s uv rays. Fluid: a substance that continually deforms under applied shear stress. Gas: one of the basic states of matter; molecules are father apart than in liquids: chemical description. Mainly nitrogen and oxygen, and small percentages of other gases. Composition of modern atmosphere: permanent gases: major components.
