GEOG 2050 Chapter : GEOGRAPHY 2050
Document Summary
Universe formed 13. 5 to 15 billion years ago. Disk formed between 6. 5 and 10. 1 billion years ago. Rotating solar system begins to form dust and gas about 4. 6 billion years ago. Heavier materials clump near center to form innermost proto-planets. Lighter materials coalesce near periphery to form outer planets. Earth forms out of iron, nickel, manganese, and silicates. Nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms produce helium and releasing energy. Surface about 5,770 k, core 28 million degrees f. A stream of eclectically charged particles ejected from the sun. 17 hours to 7 days to reach earth. Mercury- no atmosphere to trap energy (large swing in temperatures) 860 degrees f (very hot all the time) Mars -1/4 earth"s size, thin atmosphere of co2 (96%) (-128 f degrees to 136 degrees c) (cold with thin atmosphere) Solar radiance that reaches the earth"s atmosphere and surface. Not really constant but an average of 1372 w/m^2. Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.
