Planet Earth is at least 45 billion years old, a fact that is amazing by itself. This big blue ball that we call home is made of 71% water and 29% land and has a rich and fascinating evolutionary history. Over all these years the planet’s mineral and gas composition has changed, many species have gone extinct, many have evolved and many are still being discovered. Earth has a powerful magnetic field generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core. This magnetic field protects the planet from harmful solar radiation. Many exciting facts about this planet explain the world around us.
The atmosphere is Earth’s security blanket. It is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.93% Argon, 0.04% carbon dioxide and trace amounts of helium, krypton, neon, ozone, methane, hydrogen and water vapour. The atmosphere is made of 7 layers - the upper layer is the exosphere, which extends up to 10,000 km. Above this the atmosphere and space blend. The other 6 layers are - the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
Approximately 4.5 billion years ago, Earth emerged from cosmic dust and gas. The collision of particles over time formed a solid body, which eventually evolved into the diverse planet we know today.
The Age of Earth and Evidence Supporting It
Radiometric dating of rocks and meteorites has confirmed Earth’s age. This evidence, collected over centuries of research, provides a reliable estimate of our planet’s ancient origin.
3/4th of the Earth’s surface is covered by water which makes it look blue. However, 97% of earth’s water is salt water in the oceans, approximately 0.3% is fresh water in rivers, ponds, swamps etc. and the remaining water is trapped in glaciers or underground.
The Earth’s tectonic plates move in its crust due to processes that happen within these plates. 8 tectonic plates vary in size and form the crust and mantle of the planet and are commonly called the lithosphere. Most of the volcanoes and earthquakes occur above the plate boundaries. The Pacific Plate is the largest tectonic plate and is responsible for about 90% of the world’s earthquakes. The continental drift which has caused the creation of the seven continents from one large mass of land is also said to have occurred due to disturbances of the tectonic plates. Other phenomena include the formation of mountains, volcanoes and canyons.
Earth supports approximately 3 to 10 million species and only about 1.5 million species have been given a scientific name. Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that are home to coral polyps, which are colonies of several sea creatures. Tropical forests produce over 40% of the oxygen that we breathe and absorb around 8 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide each year and help maintain a healthy carbon cycle. Our planet has microscopic fungi and organisms, ecosystems, animals and plants.
Earth is what is described as an Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to its rotation. Its shape is a result of the centrifugal force caused by the planet's rotation. The mass distribution on the planet is uneven and causes small variations in gravitational pull at different locations on the planet.
Earth’s topography is influenced by the tectonic activities and weather conditions which have left their mark on the landscape. The highest point on the planet is Mount Everest with a staggering height of 29,029 feet and the lowest point is the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean which reaches a depth of about 36,070 feet below sea level. The driest place on Earth is the Atacama Desert, Chile which spans over 100,000 sq. km and receives less than 1mm of rainfall yearly. The wettest place on Earth is Mawsynram, India which receives an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres. Each of these places has a unique landscape, and plant and animal species that have adapted to the climatic conditions underlying them.
One year on Earth is divided into four seasons - spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season is distinguished by its weather patterns, temperature and light. Seasons are caused because of the Earth’s axial tilt and orbiting around the Sun. The climate pattern varies from the tropical regions near the equator to the polar regions. This influences the weather conditions and the flora, fauna, and overall environment.The moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and was created about 4.5 billion years ago when the solar system was forming. It is mostly believed that when a large rock, about the size of the planet Mars, slammed into Earth, the moon was formed. Each year, the moon is drifting away from Earth at an approximate rate of 4 centimetres. This phenomenon is caused because when the moon causes tidal forces on Earth, the water bulges on the side of the planet which faces the moon.
The Goldilocks Zone
Earth is situated in the Sun’s habitable “Goldilocks Zone,” where conditions are just right for liquid water and, consequently, life.
Interaction with Other Planets
Earth’s position allows it to interact with other planets, affecting its orbit, gravitational forces, and occasionally leading to meteor impacts.
Influence on Nearby Celestial Bodies
Earth’s gravity impacts the Moon, keeping it in orbit. This gravitational interaction influences tides and stabilizes Earth’s rotational axis.
Role in Keeping the Moon Orbiting Earth
Earth’s gravitational pull is essential for keeping the Moon in place, impacting ocean tides and Earth’s stability.
Why Earth Has Seasons
The tilt of Earth’s axis, combined with its orbit around the Sun, gives rise to seasons, affecting temperature, weather, and daylight duration.
The Tilted Axis and Its Effects
Earth’s 23.5° tilt creates seasonal variations, influencing life cycles in both human and natural worlds.
Diverse Ecosystems
From rainforests to deserts, Earth hosts a vast array of ecosystems, each supporting unique forms of life adapted to specific environments.
Evolution and Adaptation
Life on Earth has evolved over billions of years, with species adapting to their surroundings in remarkable ways, demonstrating resilience and diversity.
The forest cover on the planet is depleting in the face of modern developments. This, coupled with modern lifestyle, is contributing to global warming which is leading to the melting of the snow plates in Antarctica and glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau. It is up to us to find sustainable solutions and actionable resolutions to protect the planet. We can do our bit by making mindful choices such as focusing on reusing and recycling, understanding and practising waste management and adopting green practices. We have one planet and we share a collective responsibility towards its well-being.
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