Earth and space

Part 1 – The Lithosphere The lithosphere refers to the outer 2 layers of the Earth: crust Upper mantle The lithosphere comprises all of the Earth’s rocks and minerals.

Soil When rocks break down into very small pieces and mix with organic matter (once living things that are now dead and decaying). Soil scientists study soil by looking at it from the side. This side view is called a profile. Each layer is called a horizon. The further down you go, The bigger the rocks get (they’re more shielded), the less organic matter there is.

permafrost Permafrost is any soil that has been completely frozen for at least 2 years. The top layer may thaw out a little bit in summer to allow minimal plant growth. This thin layer is called the active layer.

Global warming is melting permafrost Permafrost contains microorganisms that decay when it melts, releasing methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). These are GREENHOUSE GASES!

Consequences of melting permafrost The ground above melting permafrost can become very unstable, causing landslides, damage to buildings, and accelerating soil erosion. More and more CO2 and CH4 gets released, causing even more warming.

Test Questions What gases are released by permafrost melting? CO2 and CH4 Why is this a problem? These are greenhouse gases. They have a warming effect. Give another consequence of permafrost melting. Landslides, buildings collapsing, etc.

Explain why this is considered a positive feedback situation As permafrost melts, CO2 and CH4 are released. Because these are greenhouse gases, they accumulate in the atmosphere. This causes the Earth to warm up, which melts even more permafrost. This starts the cycle again, making the problem even worse each time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M72TPleDlvQ

What are fossil fuels? They include How are they produced? Coal Oil Natural gas

What are fossil fuels? They include How are they produced? Coal When organic matter is Oil compressed under layers of Natural gas sedimentary rock for a long time.

What are fossil fuels? They include How are they produced? Coal When organic matter is Oil compressed under layers of Natural gas sedimentary rock for a long time. Burning fossil fuels = lots of energy!  It also produces lots of GHGs (CO2 and CH4) 

Nuclear energy Nuclear energy involves the immense potential energy stored in Uranium atoms. (1 handful of Uranium = 70 tonnes of coal) Can you draw a Uranium Bohr-Rutherford Model?

Nuclear energy is dangerous Due to the extreme amount of energy that can be so easily unleashed, maintaining safety is a constant concern. Also, nuclear energy produces radioactive waste that needs to be cooled and buried.

Geothermal Energy This makes use of the extreme amount of heat deep in the Earth’s crust. Water circulates in very deep pipes, where it’s heated by the Earth’s own heat, creating steam, which can turn turbines.

Geothermal Energy This is a renewable source of energy! There are no emissions created. It is extremely costly to install, so it’s mostly used only in volcanic areas.

Like swimming in winter? Go to Iceland