Amber Reed Quiz

Quiz

Why is Earth geologically active?
It is because of the size and mass. The core has the highest density of nickel and iron. The Mantle is Moderate density, made of silicon,oxygen and etc. The Crust has Lowest density made of granite basalt and etc.

What processes shape Earth's surface?
Impact cratering, which impacts by asteroids.  Also Volcanism which is eruption of  molten rock onto surface. Tectonics is disruption of a planets surface by internal stresses. Lastly, erosion which is surface changes made by wind,water or ice

How does Earth's atmosphere affect the planet?
Erosion, radiation protection and greenhouse effect.

Was there ever geological activity on the Moon or Mercury?
There was volcanic activity 3 billion years ago must have flooded lunar craters,creating lunar maria. Mercury has mixture of heavy cratered and smooth regions.. 

What geological features tell us that water once flowed on Mars?
There was cliffs indicate mercury shrank early in its history.  The dry  ancient river beds,eroded craters and chemical analysis of martian rocks all showed.3 millions years ago rainfall seemed to end. also ice water underground and in its polar caps and could have possibly pockets of underground liquid water.
Why did Mars change?
Atmosphere once was thicker with a stronger greenhouse effect, so change must have occurred due to loss of atmosphere gas. There gas stripped away by solar wind, after Mars lost its magnetic field and protective magnetosphere. Also lost water because of solar Ultraviolet light split water molecules apart an the hydrogen escaped to space.
Is Venus geologically active?
it is active today
The surface shows evidence of major volcanic or tectonic activity in past billion years.  It retains the similar amount of internal heat as earth does.  It lack of erosion and lack of plate tectonics. also impact craters
mist of earth;s major geological features can be attributed to plat tectonics, which is gradually remakes earth's surface. The entire surface seems o have been repaved 750 million years ago.

Why is Venus so hot?
The thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, which creates strong greenhouse effect (keeps it surface temp 470 degrees). The distance from the sun makes the thick atmosphere for Venus. The reflective  clouds contain droplets of sulfuric acid. The upper atmosphere has winds that remain unexplained. The runaway greenhouse effect would account for why Venus has so little water. 

What unique features of Earth are important for life?
The surface liquid water, made possible by Earth's moderate temperature. The atmospheric oxygen, a product of photosynthetic life. The plate tectonics,driven by internal heat.  The climate stability, result of Carbon Dioxide Cycle, which requires plate tectonics. The seafloor is recycled thorough  process of subduction. 

How is human activity changing our planet?
The global temp has risen about 0.8 Celsius over past hundred years. The larger rise of CO2 concentration, as a result of fossil fuel is burning and other human activity.  The current CO2 concentration is higher than at any time in past million years this is because of global warming. Humans  are driving other species to extinction.