EARTH’S UNIQUE PLACE IN THE SOLAR

SYSTEMMs. Scott

Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System

From a great distance the Earth is not particularly outstading planet within our Solar System

It is very similar in size compared to the other terrestrial plants

Its rotational period, and distance away from the other planets follow a similar pattern compared to the other planets

Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System

It’s not until you move closer that you will notice Earth’s unique features The only planet where water exists in all 3

states Earth’s distance from the sun is such a range

that water can stay in a liquid state Vast oceans are a unique feature found no

where else in the solar system Just the right size so gravity can hold onto its

gaseous atmosphere

Earth’s Unique Place in the Solar System

Other bodies such as Mars have lost their atmosphere due to lack of gravity

Earth is the only planet with large quantities of gas within their atmosphere

24 hour rotation period fast enough that temp. remain below freezing for long periods of time during the night, and extremely high in the day

The regulation of the temperature by the atmosphere and oceans also reduce extreme temperatures

Goldilocks Problem of Climatology

Earth lies within the narrow continuously habitable zone (CHZ) (which lies between Venus and Mars) where a planet could theoretically have a

surface temp. of -80 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius over a long period of time so life can evolve. Mars also lies with in this zone , but its smaller

mass and lower gravitational attraction make it impossible to hold the gases in the atmosphere that are necessary for life.

End of Unit 2

Complete Chapter 2 Review Use complete sentences

This will be your mark for this unit rather than a test.