Activity 6 2022-1-4 14743 5(1)
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University of New South Wales *
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Astronomy
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Apr 3, 2024
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Activity 6 This activity allows you to further explore what you learnt in Lesson 6 by answering different types of questions about the physical properties of the Earth and its atmosphere with a focus on its evolution that allowed habitability. Some of these questions will be marked. Click on little icons with question and exclamation marks if you need additional help with terms or concepts used in questions. o 0 s Convective motion of magma inside the Earth. Marking method: Every activity page/screen is worth a given number of marks. You need to answer correctly all questions on each page/screen to score some marks. You have a limited number of attempts (2-4) to provide correct answers to questions. After each incorrect attempt you will receive a feedback with suggestions and hints and your “ mark is reduced until you provide correct answers or reach the limit of attempts. Accumulated Grade:0.0 progress bar: S Formation and age of the Earth The Earth like other planets formed very early during formation of the Solar System. It happened before the 4.4 billion years ago which is the age of the oldest crystals (zircons) found on Earth. The differentiation of the Earth's material into a core and a mantle occurred between 4.49 and 4.53 billion years ago. (Q1) Assess if the following statement is correct. "The Earth formed in the collision of another massive body with the Moon." Select Answer:(False < —/ (Q2) Which rocks in the Solar System show the oldest ages? <> —/ Select Answer:( Meteorites (Q3) The image on the right depicts the formation of the Earth-Moon system. What happened during this event? ) The Earth moved in its orbit through the asteroid belt colliding with some of them. o A planetary body of Mars size collided with the Earth and the Moon was formed from the Earth's mantle material debris. ) The Earth collided with Mercury and the debris from the collision formed the Moon, while sending Mercury onto its currect orbit.
Accumulated Grade:0.0 progress bar: Formation and age of the Earth The Earth like other planets formed very early during formation of the Solar System. It happened before the 4.4 billion years ago which is the age of the oldest crystals (zircons) found on Earth. The differentiation of the Earth's material into a core and a mantle occurred between 4.49 and 4.53 billion years ago. (Q1) Which minerals are best to use for radiometric techniques to establish the age of the Earth? Select Answer: ( zircon ‘] (Q2) Which rocks in the Solar System show the oldest ages? Select Answer: [ Meteorites 4 (Q3) The image at right depicts the formation of the Earth-Moon system. What happened during this event? ) The Earth moved in its orbit through the asteroid belt colliding with some of them. © Anplanetary body of Mars size collided with the Earth and the Moon was formed from the mantle material debris. ~) The Earth collided with Mercury and the debris from the collision formed the Moon, while sending Mercury onto its currect orbit. FOR 4.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:0.0 Progress bar: Formation and age of the Earth The Earth like other planets formed very early during formation of the Sol billion years ago which is the age of the oldest crystals (zircons) found on RAs o This is correct! material into a core and a mantle occurred between 4.49 and 4.53 billion Q1 - false (Q1) Assess if the following statement is correct. ) "The Earth formed in the collision of another massive body with the Moon." Q2 - meteorites Q3 - The Moon formed in a collision of another massive body with, already existing Earth. This massive body could be as large as Mars. Debris of this collision including material from the mantle of the Earth formed the Moon. (Q2) Which rocks in the Solar System show the oldest ages? Select Answer:( (Q3) The image on the right depicts the formation of the The Earth was formed in the process of Earth-Moon system. What happened during this event? accretion of small planetesimals in the protoplanetary nebula. " The Earth moved in its orbit through the asteroid belt colliding with some of them. Meteorites show the oldest ages in the Solar system, because they formed very early in the history of the Solar system and were not affected by transformation due to melting and effects of tectonic motions. ° A planetary body of Mars size collided with the Earth and the Moon was formed from the Earth's mantle material debris. ~ The Earth collided with Mercury and the debris from the collision formed the Moon, while sending Mercury onto its currect orbit. | l FOR 4.0 MARKS Next
Accumulated Grade:4.0 Radiometric dating We learn about the age of our planet and other objects in the Solar System by using the radiometric dating method. Radioactive elements decay gradually to form another element. This decay is described with a well known time called half-life, when half of the radioactive sample turns into a new element. If we know the initial amount of the decaying element in the sample such as a rock or crystal, one can estimate its age from the current ratio of the decaying and a newly formed elements (called daughters). Proportion of atoms left 5 (Q1) In the picture below uranium decays to lead. 1 2 Daughter Select Answer:( Lead ) (Q2) How much uranium will be transformed to lead in three half-lives? Parent 3 3 5 Select Answer:[ seven eighths 4 Time, in half-lives Which element can be described as a daughter here? Since two isotopes of uranium (238U and 2%°U) have a very long half-live time (4.47 and 0.7 billion years) during their decay to lead (206Pb and 207Pb respectively), the Uranium Lead method is used for estimating the age of the Earth. Another popular radiometric method is using carbon dating with "#C isotope to estimate ages of biological specimens. FOR 3.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:4.0 Radiometric dating We learn about the age of our planet and other objects in the Solar System by using the radiometric dating method. Radioactive elements decay gradually to form another element. This decay is described with a well known time called half-life, when half of the radioactive sample turns into a new element. If we know the initial amount of the decaying element in the sample such as a rock or crystal, one can estimate its age from the current ratio of the decaying and a newly formed elements (called daughters). Proportion of atoms left (Q1) In the picture below uranium decays to lead. Select Answer:( Lead 4) transformed to lead in three half-lives? 1 2 Daughter (Q2) How much uranium will be Parent 3 a 5 Select Answet Time, in half-lives Since two isotopes of uranium (33U and 2*°U) have a very long half-live ti decay to lead (206Pb and 207Pb respectively), the Uranium Lead methoc Another popular radiometric method is using carbon dating with C isotoj FOR 3.0 MARKS Well done! Which element can be described as a daughter here? Uranium decays into lead, which is a daughter element. The diagram shows that in three half-lives there will be only 1/8 of uranium left. Therefore 7/8 of the total uranium in the sample was transformed into lead. (I
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Accumulated Grade:7.0 progress bar: D Structure of the Earth Choose correct names of features in the image depicting the structure of the Earth. Compared with the other rocky planets of the Solar System, the Earth has a very specific ggg composition, which allows life to flourish. The molten core made of iron generates magnetic ~ s an * field that protects life on Earth from the damaging effects of Solar wind. g ges > e 2,700 Shallow i 2,890 mantle = T iti 2 = - - ransition region 3 (basaltic magmas = source) o e d (=] The energetic particles streaming down towards the Earth, are reflected by its 5150 magnetic field shown in blue. FOR 0.0 MARKS Inner % 6,378 Accumulated Grade:7.0 Progress ad Structure of the Earth Well done! You identified all layers correctly. Choose correct names of features in the image dep Subduction zone % Subduction zone 0 400 650 Crust and 400 lithosphere 650 Lower mantle B Midocean - 2 2,700 A ' il Lower mantle v) fi 2,890 o —~ E Transition region D" layer (basaltic magmas " ~ : 2,700 = source) < 2,890 & d z a = Transition Outer core - " A : (molten) = (basaltic = source) ™~ [- ¥ () Inner a core (solid) 5,150 | I 6,378 L“
Accumulated Grade:.0 progress bar: S Plate Tectonics Another unique feature of the Earth's composition is that its crust is made of tectonic plates, which slowly move. No other planets in Solar System seem to have active plate tectonics. Although it is possible that some planets like Mars and Venus may have had it in the past. It seems that interior temperature needs to be fine-tuned, not too hot and not too cold for the mantle to maintain the convective motions that allow plate tectonics. The presence of liquid water may be another factor. This slow process allows the crust of the Earth to be constantly mixed and recycled with the material from the mantle. Tectonics drives many phenomena that may be helpful in maintaining habitability of the planet and possibly evolution of life on Earth. (Q1) What drives tectonic plate movement? ) A. Variations of Earth's magnetic field © B. Motion of magma under the Earth's crust ~ C. Changes of Solar activity (Q2) Did the Earth at any time in history, have a single, large continent? Accumulated Grade:7.0 progress ber: Plate Tectonics Another unique feature of the Earth's composition is that its crust is made of tectonic plates, which slowly move. No other planets in Solar System seem to have active plate tectonics. Although it is possible that some planets like Mars and Venus may have had it in the past. It seems that interior temperature needs to be fine-tuned, not too hot and not too cold for the mantle to maintain the convective motions that allow plate tectonics. The presence of liquid water may be another factor. This slow process allows the crust of the Earth to be constantly mixed and recycled with the material from the mantle. Tectonics drives many phenomena that may be helpful in maintaining habitability of the planet and possibly evolution of life on Earth. FOR 2.0 MARKS (Q1) What drives tectonic plate movement? - A. Variations of Earth's magnetic field 0! ' Correct! Q1 Convective motion of magma under the (Q! Earth's crust drives the tectonics. Q2 Indeed there used to be one continent in early history of the Earth, it is called Pangea. F =
Accumulated Grade:7.0 progress br: Plate Tectonics Another unique feature of the Earth's composition is that its crust is made of tectonic plates, which slowly move. No other planets in Solar System seem to have active plate tectonics. Although it is possible that some planets like Mars and Venus may have had it in the past. It seems that interior temperature needs to be fine-tuned, not too hot and not too cold for the mantle to maintain the convective motions that allow plate tectonics. The presence of liquid water may be another factor. This slow process allows the crust of the Earth to be constantly mixed and recycled with the material from the mantle. Tectonics drives many phenomena that may be helpful in maintaining habitability of the planet and possibly evolution of life on Earth. (Q1) What happens in a subduction zone? ~) A. New crust is being created. © C. The oceanic crust disappears under continental crust. "~ D. Anew tectonic plate is created. (Q2) Did the Earth at any time in history, have a single, large continent? FOR 2.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:9.0 progress bar: S Atmospheric layers The Earth's atmosphere has many layers that are distinguised by the unique temperature profiles. For example in troposphere temperature decreases with increasing height, but in stratosphere temperature shows the opposite trend. Next time you are on intercontinental flight, you may want to observe the reading of temperature displayed on the flight map when the plane climbs to its cruising altitute of about 10 km. Atmospheric Layers © UNSW, Sydney, Australia Label the diagram by dragging each box to its place on the left. Exosphere - ™~ - Thermosphere — 400 km - Mesosphere — 50 km ~ Stratosphere — = 30 km o = 3 Troposphere — \y 1 P 5/5 correct FOR 2 MARKS
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Accumulated Grade:11.0 Progress bar: Atmospheric layers The Earth's atmosphere has many layers that are distinguised by the unique temperature profiles. For example in troposphere temperature decreases with increasing height, but in stratosphere temperature shows the opposite trend. Next time you are on intercontinental flight, you may want to observe the reading of temperature displayed on the flight map when the plane climbs to its cruising altitute of about 10 km. Revise the relevant part of Lesson 6 to answer the following questions. Exosphere Thermosphere (Q1) Where in the atmosphere would you find the ozone layer? Mesosphere > 400 km Stratosphere Troposphere Select Answer:(_in the stratosphere D) - (Q2) In which layer would you find 30-50 km most clouds? Select Answer: | in the troposphere 3) FOR 3.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:11.0 Progress bar: S Atmospheric layers The Earth's atmosphere has many layers that are distinguised by the unique temperature profiles. For example in troposphere temperature decreases with increasing height, but in stratosphere temperature shows the opposite trend. Next time you are on intercontinental flight, you may want to observe the reading of temperature displayed on the flight map when the plane climbs to its cruising altitute of about 10 km. Revise the relevant part of Lesson 6 to answer the following questions. Exosphere Thermosphere (Q1) Where in the atmosphere would you find the ozone layer? Mesosphere — = > 400 km Stratosphere Troposphere Correct! The figure in the section 6.3 of Lesson 6 shows all the layers of the atmospheres with their features. 30-50 km - The Ozone layer can be found in the stratosphere. - Clouds are mostly distributed in the troposphere. FOR 3.0 MARKS [ I [
Accumulated Grade:14.0 progress bar: S Earth's Atmospheric Composition The Earth has a secondary atmosphere that is typical for rocky planets of the Solar System. Early in its formation the Earth may have accreted some hydrogen gas, but since the planet was in much warmer environment than giant planets, and hydrogen is the lightest of elements, it would be quickly dispersed in space. The heavier gases that were released during volcanic activity would form the atmosphere of the Earth. (Q1) Which gas is the most abundant in the atmosphere of the Earth? ) Carbon dioxide ~ Oxygen © Nitrogen ~) Water vapour ~ Ozone ~ Neon ) Argon (Q2) What is the approximate percentage of carbon (Q3) Which gas is marked with purple colour in the dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere? pie diagram of atmospheric composition? ~ 17 ~ Nitrogen © 0.04 ~ Carbon dioxide 20 © Oxygen ~0.01 500025 FOR 3.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:14.0 Progress bar: I Earth's Atmospheric Composition The Earth has a secondary atmosphere that is typical for rocky planets of the Solar System. Early in its formation the Earth may have accreted some hydrogen gas, but since the planet was in much warmer environment than giant planets, and hydrogen is the lightest of elements, it would be quickly dispersed in space. The heavier gases that were released during volcanic activity would form the atmosphere of the Earth. (Q1) Which gas is the most abundant in the atmosphere of the Earth? ~) Carbon dioxide ¥ ~ Oxygen . © Nitrogen Well done! ~ Water vapour ) Ozone Q1 - Nitrogen is most abundant in the Earth's . atmosphere. Neon ~ Argon Q2 - Carbon dioxide makes only 0.04% of the atmospheric gases. (Q2) What is the approximate percentage of carbon (Q3) Whic Q3 - Ox : . L \ o - Oxygen is shown in the purple part of the dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere? piediagral piechart. The atmosphere contains about 21% 7 ~ Nite Of oxygen. © 0.04 ) Carl 20 O Oxy ~0.01 | ‘ ~ 0.00025 FOR 3.0 MARKS Next
Accumulated Grade:17.0 Progress bar: Greenhouse effect on Earth Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the Earth's surface would be much colder. The following simulation allows you to learn how the surface temperature changes when the concentration of different gases in the Earth's atmosphere are adjusted. Greenhouse Effect © University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Use the sliders to adjust the planet's reflectivity (albedo) and atmospheric abundance of CO;, H,O and O.. (Q1) Use the simulation to estimate what maximum temperature of the Earth surface you can generate by adjusting four parameters (albedo, COg2 water vapour and O2). K ’ Enter Number: 60 C (Q2) Albedo describes how reflective the surface of the planet is. The high reflectivity means high albedo. What albedo helped you to generate the highest temperature in the simulation? Select Answer:( 0% $) FOR 0.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:17.0 Progress bar: Greenhouse effect on Earth Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the Earth's surface would be much colder. The following simulation allows you to learn how the surface temperature changes when the concentration of different gases in the Earth's atmosphere are adjusted. Albedo r === 29% COy === (e HoO ===() 1000 Pa Oy 20% Greenhouse Effect © University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Use the sliders to adjust the planet's reflectivity (albedo) and atmospheric abundance of CO;, H;O and O.. (Q1) Use the simulation to estimate what maximum temperature of the Earth surface you can generate by adjusting four parameters (albedo, COg water vapour and O2). / (‘ ' Enter Number: 60 c (Q2) Albedo describes how reflective the surface of the planet is. The high reflectivity means high alhedn \What alhedn helned vnii tn Well done! Q1 - The highest temperature for the given range of conditions is close to 60 C. Q2 - The least reflective surface absorbs most radiation. Therefore an albedo of 0% would contribute most to higher temeratures. Albedo : — 29% HpO et 1000 Pa
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Accumulated Grade:17.0 Greenhouse effect on Earth rrogress var: D Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the Earth's surface would be much colder. The following simulation allows you to learn how the surface temperature changes when the concentration of different gases in the Earth's atmosphere are adjusted. Albedo describes how reflective the surface of the planet is. The Greenhouse Effect © University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia high reflectivity means high Use the sliders to adjust the planet's reflectivity (albedo) and atmospheric abundance of CO, H;0 and O.. albedo. The current level of CO2 in the atmosphere is 402 ppm. Assume albedo of 30% and an H2 y O pressure of 3170 Pa (values ( "" typical for the Earth conditions). k Use simulation to select these numbers (as close as you can) to read the corresponding surface temperature. Now check how much change in albedo would have to occur (for example by adding clouds or ice cover) to lower the average surface temperature by 2°C? ) increase by 20% © Increase by 2% ) Decrease by 2% " Decrease by 20% Albedo O > 29% COp = @ - 385 ppm FOR 2.0 MARKS heck Accumulated Grade:17.0 Greenhouse effect on Earth progress bar: Without greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the Earth's surface would be much colder. The following simulation allows you to learn how the surface temperature changes when the concentration of different gases in the Earth's atmosphere are adjusted. Albedo describes how reflective the surface of the planet is. The Greenhouse Effect © University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia high reflectivity means high Use the sliders to adjust the planet's reflectivity (albedo) and atmospheric abundance of CO;, H,O and O.. albedo. The current level of CO3 in the atmosphere is 402 ppm. Assume albedo of 30% and an Hz y O pressure of 3170 Pa (values ( "’ typical for the Earth conditions). ( Use simulation to select these numbers (as close as you can) to read the corresponding surface temperature. Now check how much change in albedo would Well done! You need to only increase reflectivity of the planet by 2% to make the average temperature lower in this simplified situation. In reality the additional cloud cover has not only impact on increased albedo but it also traps the heat re-radiated by the surface of the Earth contributing to higher temperatures. Albedo ; == 29% HyO e===(") 1000 Pa [ | -
Accumulated Grade:19.0 progress bar: Evolution of Atmosphere When the Earth was formed the Sun radiated about 30% energy less than now, and its output goes only gradually up. The climate models tell us that the Earth would have been completely frozen for about first 2 billions years if it had an atmosphere similar to the current one. However we see evidence of liquid water that existed during that time. Therefore the early atmosphere must have had much more greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane that stopped the planet from freezing. (Q1) Name the molecule or element that is part of the present day atmosphere but would be missing from the original atmosphere of the Earth: ~) Carbon dioxide © Oxygen ~) Methane ) Nitrogen ~) Water vapour ~) Carbon monoxide (Q2) Which statement describes the geochemical carbon cycle: ~ An exchange of carbon between carbon monoxide in the earth and oceans and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. ~) An exchange of oxygen between carbon monoxide buried in carbonate rocks and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. © An exchange of carbon between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and carbon buried in the Earth as carbonate rocks. FOR 3.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:19.0 Progress bar: 3 Evolution of Atmosphere When the Earth was formed the Sun radiated about 30% energy less than now, and its output goes only gradually up. The climate models tell us that the Earth would have been completely frozen for about first 2 billions years if it had an atmosphere similar to the current one. However we see evidence of liquid water that existed during that time. Therefore the early atmosphere must have had much more greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane that stopped the planet from freezing. (Q1) Name the molecule or element that is part of the present day atmosphere but 2 & g, ——. would be missing from the original atmosphere of the Earth: T e W oudi! ~ Carbon dioxide This is correct. © Oxygen . (Q1) The oxygen in Earth's atmosphere Methane appeared only when the first ~ Nitrogen photosynthesizing organisms developed. ~ Water vapour (Q2) The geochemical carbon cycle allows temperature of the Earth to be relatively stable. It involves the exchange of carbon (Q2) Which statement describes the geochemical carbon cycle: between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and carbon buried in the Earth in the form of ) An exchange of carbon between carbon monoxide in the earth and oceans and carbon dioxide carbonate rocks. ) Carbon monoxide ~ An exchange of oxygen between carbon monoxide buried in carbonate rocks and carbon dioxic ° An exchange of carbon between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and carbon buried in the Ea FOR 3.0 MARKS [ Next
Accumulated Grade:22.0 Progress bar: The Moon: the Earth's Satellite The Moon is the closest neighbour of the Earth. It is the only body in space outside the Earth that has been visited by humans. We were able to collect samples of rock from the Moon. (Q1) Many of the rocks in the highland regions are breccias. What kind of rocks are breccias? Select Answer:( Rock fragments melted %) (Q2) What was a theory derived from the ages of these breccias? Select Answer:( The theory of %) FOR 3.0 MARKS Accumulated Grade:22.0 Progress bar: The Moon: the Earth's Satellite The Moon is the closest neighbour of the Earth. It is the only body in space outside the Earth that has been visited by humans. We were able to collect samples of rock from the Moon. (Q1) Many of the rocks in the highland regions are breccias. What kind of rocks are breccias? Select Answer:( Rock fragments melted #} This is correct! (Q1) Breccias are rock fragments melted together by impact. Ocea (Q2) They suggest that there was increased (Q2) What was a theory derived from the ages of these LS amount of impacts around 3.9 billion years breccias? ago, called the Lunar Cataclysm or Late Heavy Bombardment, that could occur due to Select Answer:( The theory of 0 migration of the outer planets of the Solar System. -
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Accumulated Grade:17.0 Progress bar: _ The Moon: the Earth's Satellite The Moon is the closest neighbour of the Earth. It is the only body in space outside the Earth that has been visited by humans. We were able to collect samples of rock from the Moon. (Q1) What kind of rocks were found in the Maria, or dark i This i ct! plains on the Moon? IS Is corre: (Q1) The lunar maria (or plains) are composed of basalts, indicating that they are basins that have been flooded with lava. Select Answer: [ Basalts - rocks ) (Q2) Why are the oldest rocks on Earth younger than the oldest lunar rocks? (Q2) The rocks on the Earth are continually recycled by plate tectonics, so the oldest rocks have been lost. Select Answer: [ Becuase the Earth ¥