Uniqueness of the Blue Planet
The earth known as the Blue Planet occupies a special place in the solar system which comprises eight planets. Solar energy, water and air that support the existence of life are available on the Earth's surface. The unique nature of the Blue Planet is remarkable as there is no evidence of life in other planets.
the special features of the Blue Planet.
- It is the most beautiful (Scenic) planet
- The location in the solar system is conducive to the existence of life
- Solar energy, water and air needed for life is found on Earth. Extremes of temperature are not observed.
- The atmosphere consists of different gases.
- There is a climate favourable for living beings.
- It is the only known planet with life.
- 71% of the surface is covered by water.
- There are variations of seasons.
- There is biodiversity.
- There exists different landscapes.
Statistics on the Blue Planet.
- Distance from the Sun 149.6 million km.
- Perihelion 147.2 million km
- Aphelion 152.1 million km
- Diameter of the Earth 12 756 km
- Duration taken for a rotation 23 hrs & 56 mts
- Duration taken for a revolution 365.25 days
The importance of the Blue Planet as the man’s habitat
- Presence of a favourable climate due to a combination of factors like solar energy, water and air.
- The presence of an environment favourable for plant growth.
- Presence of power resources.
- Presence of mineral resources for industries.
- The constant interaction between the biotic and non-biotic environments.
- Presence of land favourable for agriculture.
- The existence of biodiversity.
Special features of the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and the Lithosphere
The existence of fauna and flora over the Blue Planet is the result of its unique characteristics. The interrelationship that exists among the Atmosphere, the Hydrosphere and the Lithosphere is the foundation for the creation of the Biosphere. Now let us identify the special features of these different spheres.
Atmosphere
- It is composed of various gases and water particles.
- Atmosphere consists of 4 layers.
- It extends up to 900-1200 km. from the Earth's surface.
- Interactive processes of the atmosphere result in rainfall.
- Nitrogen , is the predominant gas in the atmosphere.
- It influences on earth temperature.
- It contributes towards weather changes.
Hydrosphere
- 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water.
- It consists of oceans, seas, lakes rivers and streams.
- The Earth is identified as the Blue Planet due to these features .
- Hydrosphere helps in the existence of the Biosphere.
- It affects weather and climate.
Lithosphere
- Of the Earth’s surface 29% consists of the land area.
- Lithosphere is also known as the crust of the Earth.
- It consists of different rocks and minerals.
- Its thickness varies from 10-70 km.
- It is characterized by different landscape features
Biosphere
- Consists of the layer where life exists and where various processes are constantly active.
- Both living and non-living phenomena are present.
- There is a biodiversity.
- Consists of numerous eco-systems.
The Atmosphere of the Blue Planet
The atmosphere is a thin blanket of air around the Earth consisting of different gases. An atmosphere conducive to the existence of life forms prevail only around the Earth. Oxygen which needs for the respiration of the living beings and Nitrogen which is needed for the growth of the plants are included among the gases in the atmosphere. This is a unique feature of the planet Earth.
Nitrogen exceeds 3/4 of the air content of the atmosphere while oxygen is 1/5 of this content. These two components are 99.02% of the total content. Oxygen is vital for the survival of all living beings. 97% of the atmosphere is restricted to a height of 29 km above sea level.
Uses of the atmosphere
- It helps survival of life.
- Causes the process of photosynthesis
- Acts as a blanket over the earth's surface
- Stores water vapour
- Generates pressure and winds
- Affects the process of rainfall
The Hydrosphere of the Blue Planet
The aggregate of areas over the surface of the Earth covered by water can be termed the Hydrosphere. The water over the earth's surface changes into solid, liquid or gas forms alternatively. The distribution of water over the surface of the Earth is shown in this picture.
Uses of water
- Drinking water.
- Transport
- Recreation
- Domestic use
- Agricultural purposes
- Production of hydro power
The Biosphere of the Blue Planet
Living elements of the Blue Planet with unceasingly active processes is called the Biosphere. Atmosphere extending from the surface of the Earth up to the limit of the availability of air used by the living organisms, region of the lithosphere used by the root systems of plants and trees as well as the area of bacteria formation and the portion of the hydrosphere receiving sunlight necessary for the photosynthesis process set the limits of the biosphere.
There are two factors that influence processes in the Biosphere.
- Living components (plants, animals and decomposers )
- Non - living components (solar energy, water, soil and air)
The existence of the Biosphere depends on the interaction of all these factors. The Biosphere consists of many eco-systems and the constant interaction between plant and animal components is an important process. Sometimes the processes related to one organism would be favourable or unfavourable to another organism.
The interactive processes of the Biosphere
