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 The Earth seen from Apollo 17 | |
| Designations | |
|---|---|
| Symbol |  |
| Physical characteristics | |
Surface area | 510.1 million km² |
| Mass | 5.97 × 10^24 kg |
Mean density | 5.52 g/cm³ |
Earth, also known as the World, is the third planet from the Sun and the only celestial object known to support life. It is the fifth-largest planet in the Solar System and has a diameter of approximately 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles). Earth is home to a rich diversity of organisms, including humans.
Geology[edit | edit source]
Earth is composed of several layers, including the crust, mantle, and core. The crust, which makes up the planet's outer shell, is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid mantle below. These plates are in constant motion, leading to processes such as plate tectonics, which shape the Earth's surface and cause geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Atmosphere[edit | edit source]
The Earth's atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the planet and provides vital conditions for life. It is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), with trace amounts of other gases, including carbon dioxide and water vapor. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature through the greenhouse effect, which helps maintain suitable conditions for life.
Hydrosphere[edit | edit source]
Earth is known as the "blue planet" due to its abundant water resources. The hydrosphere encompasses all the water on Earth's surface, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. Water is essential for life on Earth and plays a crucial role in various geological processes, weather patterns, and the global water cycle.
Biosphere[edit | edit source]
The biosphere refers to the regions of Earth where life exists. It includes the planet's surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Earth supports a diverse range of ecosystems, ranging from deserts and forests to oceans and polar regions. These ecosystems harbor a vast array of organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, which interact with each other and their environment.
Human Impact[edit | edit source]
Human activities have had a significant impact on the Earth's environment and ecosystems. Factors such as deforestation, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction have contributed to the loss of biodiversity and pose challenges to the planet's sustainability. Efforts are being made globally to address these issues through initiatives such as conservation, sustainable development, and the promotion of renewable energy sources.
Exploration[edit | edit source]
Throughout history, humans have been fascinated by the Earth and its mysteries. The exploration of Earth has involved various scientific disciplines, including geology, geography, and meteorology. Satellites, such as those in the NASA-operated Landsat program, have provided valuable data and images of Earth from space, enabling a better understanding of its complex systems and processes.
References[edit | edit source]
- ^ Michael Seeds (2015). Fundamentals of Astronomy. Cengage Learning. pp. 144–145.