short essay about earth and life science

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Short Essay on Our Planet Earth [100, 200, 400 words] With PDF

Earth is the only planet that sustains life and ecosystems. In this lesson, you will learn to write essays in three different sets on the planet earth to help you in preparing for your upcoming examinations.

Short Essay on Our Planet Earth in 100 Words

Earth is a rare planet since it is the only one that can support life. On Earth, life is possible for various reasons, the most essential of which are the availability of water and the presence of oxygen. Earth is a member of the Solar System. The Earth, along with the other seven planets, orbits the Sun.

One spin takes approximately twenty-four hours, and one revolution takes 365 days and four hours. Day and night, as well as the changing of seasons, occurs due to rotation and revolution. However, we have jeopardized our planet by our sheer ignorance and negligence. We must practise conservation of resources and look after mother earth while we have time.

Short Essay on Our Planet Earth in 200 Words

Earth is a blue planet that is special from the rest of the planets because it is the only one to sustain life. The availability of water and oxygen are two of the most crucial factors that make life possible on Earth. The Earth rotates around the Sun, along with seven other planets in the solar system. It takes 24 hours to complete one rotation, and approximately 365 days and 4 hours to complete one revolution. Day and night, as well as changing seasons, are all conceivable due to these two movements. 

However, we are wasting and taking advantage of the natural resources that have been bestowed upon us. Overuse and exploitation of all-natural resources produce pollution to such an alarming degree that life on Earth is on the verge of extinction. The depletion of the ozone layer has resulted in global warming. The melting of glaciers has resulted in rising temperatures.

Many animals have become extinct or are endangered. To protect the environment, we must work together. Conversation, resource reduction, reuse, and recycling will take us a long way toward restoring the natural ecosystem. We are as unique as our home planet. We have superior intelligence, which we must employ for the benefit of all living beings. The Earth is our natural home, and we must create a place that is as good as, if not better than, paradise.

Short Essay on Our Planet Earth in 400 Words

Earth is a unique planet as it is the only planet that sustains life. Life is possible on Earth because of many reasons, and the most important among them is the availability of water and oxygen. Earth is a part of the family of the Sun. It belongs to the Solar System.

Earth, along with seven other planets, revolves around the Sun. It takes roughly twenty-four hours to complete one rotation and 365 days and 4 hours to complete one revolution. Rotation and revolution make day and night and change of seasons simultaneously possible. The five seasons we experience in one revolution are Spring, Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, and Winter.

However, we are misusing resources and exploiting the natural gifts that have been so heavily endowed upon us. Overuse and misuse of all the natural resources are causing pollution to such an extent that it has become alarming to the point of destruction. The most common form of pollution caused upon the earth by us is Air Pollution, Land Pollution, Water Pollution, and Noise Pollution.

This, in turn, had resulted in Ozone Layer Depletion and Global Warming. Due to ozone layer depletion, there harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun are reaching the earth. It, in turn, is melting glaciers and causing a rise in temperature every year. Many animals have either extinct or are endangered due to human activities.

Some extinct animals worldwide are Sabre-toothed Cat, Woolly Mammoth, Dodo, Great Auk, Stellers Sea Cow, Tasmanian Tiger, Passenger Pigeon, Pyrenean Ibex. The extinct animals in the Indian subcontinent are the Indian Cheetah, pink-headed duck, northern Sumatran rhinoceros, and Sunderban dwarf rhinoceros.

The endangered animals that are in need of our immediate attention in India are Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow leopard, Red panda, Indian rhinoceros, Nilgiri tahr, Asiatic lion, Ganges river dolphin, Gharial and Hangul, among others. We have exploited fossil fuels to such an extent that now we run the risk of using them completely. We must switch to alternative sources of energy that are nature friendly. Solar power, windmills, hydra power should be used more often, and deforestation must be made illegal worldwide.

We must come together to preserve the natural environment. Conversation, reduction, reuse and recycling of the resources will take us a long way in rebuilding the natural habitat. We are as unique as our planet earth. We have higher intelligence, and we must use it for the well-being of all living organisms. The Earth is our natural abode, and we must make a place as close to Paradise, if not better.

Hopefully, after going through this lesson, you have a holistic idea about our planet Earth. I have tried to cover every aspect that makes it unique and the reasons to practise conversation of natural resources. If you still have any doubts regarding this session, kindly let me know through the comment section below. To read more such essays on many important topics, keep browsing our website. 

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An Informative Essay on Life on Earth In 150 Words

The planet Earth is the only home that we have. Many people have different opinions on what makes life worth living, but with so much to talk about, it can be hard to separate truth from fiction. What do you think makes life worth living?

Table of Contents

Importance Life On Earth Essay For Students

What is life on earth.

Life on earth is a complex and fascinating phenomenon. It began with simple organic molecules and evolved through the ages to include animals, plants, and fungi. Scientists are still trying to understand all the details of life on earth, from its origins to its future. In this essay, we’ll explore some of the most important questions about life on earth.

An Overview of Life on Earth

Life on Earth is a beautiful and amazing phenomenon. From the first moment of existence, organisms have been striving to survive, grow, and thrive. This endless cycle of growth and development has led to the magnificent life we see today on our planet.

The diversity of life on Earth is simply astounding. From single-celled organisms to towering trees, every form of life has its own special way of surviving and thriving. No matter how different they may seem at first glance, all organisms share one common attribute – they are capable of reproducing themselves.

This ability to reproduce is what allows life to continue evolving and adapting over time. The ever-changing environment provides new opportunities for organisms to thrive, and as a result, they evolve into new and unique forms.

In short, life on Earth is a miraculous phenomenon that is constantly evolving and changing in interesting and unexpected ways. Thanks for reading!

How does life function on Earth?

The answer to this question is far from simple, and it has been debated by scientists and philosophers for centuries. However, the most general consensus in the scientific community is that life on Earth functions by harnessing energy from the sun. This energy is converted into chemical energy, which is then used to create biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. These biomolecules then interact with each other to create complex systems, including plants, animals, and humans.

Problems and risks: what are the dangers to life on Earth?

Life on Earth is in danger from a number of sources. The dangers to life on Earth come from a variety of sources, including natural disasters, environmental degradation, and human actions. Each year, a large number of people die as a result of these dangers.

Natural Disasters: Natural disasters cause death and injury to people all over the world. Natural disasters can be caused by weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or tornadoes. They can also be caused by animals, such as pandemics or animal attacks. Natural disasters can also be caused by human activities, such as mining accidents or nuclear accidents.

Environmental Degradation: Environmental degradation results in the loss of natural resources and the destruction of habitats. This can cause wildlife to become extinct, decrease food supplies, and increase pollution levels. Environmental degradation can also lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Human Actions: Human actions can also endanger life on Earth. Human activities that endanger life on Earth include the use of pesticides, the disposal of waste products, and the use of fossil fuels. Human actions that protect life on Earth include the promotion of renewable energy sources and the conservation of natural resources.

In conclusion, life on earth is a fascinating and complex journey. We are constantly evolving as a species, and our planet is in the midst of some very big changes. As we learn more about our planet and its systems, it’s evident that we need to take care of it – for our own sake, and for the sake of future generations. Thank you for reading this essay on life on earth – I hope you have enjoyed learning about all of the incredible things happening here on Earth.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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What are Earth sciences?

What do the earth sciences entail, what are earth science topics.

Earth sciences

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• LiveScience - What is Earth Science?
• earth sciences - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Earth sciences are the fields of study concerned with the solid Earth , its waters , and the air that envelops it. They include the geologic , hydrologic , and atmospheric sciences with the broad aim of understanding Earth’s present features and past evolution and using this knowledge to benefit humankind. Earth scientists observe, describe, and classify all features of Earth to generate hypotheses with which to explain their presence and their development.

Earth sciences study largely inaccessible objects: many rocks , water bodies, and oil reservoirs are at great depths in the Earth, while air masses circulate high above it. Also required is an understanding of time , as Earth scientists consider how Earth evolved, examining such matters as the physical and chemical conditions operating on Earth and on the Moon billions of years ago and the evolution of the oceans , the atmosphere , and life itself.

There are six groups of Earth science topics. One includes disciplines examining water and air at or above Earth’s surface, while another studies the makeup of the solid Earth. A third group considers landforms , and another examines Earth’s history . A fifth group considers Earth science’s beneficial practical applications—whether related to energy use and construction or guarding against natural hazards—whereas a sixth, made up of astrogeology and similar disciplines, studies celestial bodies’ rock record.

Earth sciences , the fields of study concerned with the solid Earth , its waters, and the air that envelops it. Included are the geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric sciences.

The broad aim of the Earth sciences is to understand the present features and past evolution of Earth and to use this knowledge, where appropriate, for the benefit of humankind. Thus, the basic concerns of the Earth scientist are to observe, describe, and classify all the features of Earth, whether characteristic or not, to generate hypotheses with which to explain their presence and their development, and to devise means of checking opposing ideas for their relative validity. In this way the most plausible, acceptable, and long-lasting ideas are developed.

The physical environment in which humans live includes not only the immediate surface of the solid Earth but also the ground beneath it and the water and air above it. Early humans were more involved with the practicalities of life than with theories, and, thus, their survival depended on their ability to obtain metals from the ground to produce, for example, alloys, such as bronze from copper and tin, for tools and armour, to find adequate water supplies for establishing dwelling sites, and to forecast the weather , which had a far greater bearing on human life in earlier times than it has today. Such situations represent the foundations of the three principal component disciplines of the modern Earth sciences.

The rapid development of science as a whole over the past century and a half has given rise to an immense number of specializations and subdisciplines, with the result that the modern Earth scientist, perhaps unfortunately, tends to know a great deal about a very small area of study but only a little about most other aspects of the entire field . It is therefore very important for the layperson and the researcher alike to be aware of the complex interlinking network of disciplines that make up the Earth sciences today, and that is the purpose of this article. Only when one is aware of the marvelous complexity of the Earth sciences and yet can understand the breakdown of the component disciplines is one in a position to select those parts of the subject that are of greatest personal interest.

It is worth emphasizing two important features that the three divisions of the Earth sciences have in common. First is the inaccessibility of many of the objects of study. Many rocks, as well as water and oil reservoirs, are at great depths in Earth, while air masses circulate at vast heights above it. Thus, the Earth scientist has to have a good three-dimensional perspective. Second, there is the fourth dimension: time. The Earth scientist is responsible for working out how Earth evolved over millions of years. For example, What were the physical and chemical conditions operating on Earth and the Moon 3.5 billion years ago? How did the oceans form, and how did their chemical composition change with time? How has the atmosphere developed? And finally, How did life on Earth begin? and From what did humankind evolve?

Today the Earth sciences are divided into many disciplines, which are themselves divisible into six groups:

• Those subjects that deal with the water and air at or above the solid surface of Earth. These include the study of the water on and within the ground (hydrology), the glaciers and ice caps (glaciology), the oceans (oceanography), the atmosphere and its phenomena (meteorology), and the world’s climates (climatology). In this article such fields of study are grouped under the hydrologic and atmospheric sciences and are treated separately from the geologic sciences, which focus on the solid Earth.
• Disciplines concerned with the physical-chemical makeup of the solid Earth, which include the study of minerals (mineralogy), the three main groups of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic petrology), the chemistry of rocks (geochemistry), the structures in rocks (structural geology), and the physical properties of rocks at Earth’s surface and in its interior (geophysics).
• The study of landforms (geomorphology), which is concerned with the description of the features of the present terrestrial surface and an analysis of the processes that gave rise to them.
• Disciplines concerned with the geologic history of Earth , including the study of fossils and the fossil record (paleontology), the development of sedimentary strata deposited typically over millions of years (stratigraphy), and the isotopic chemistry and age dating of rocks (geochronology).
• Applied Earth sciences dealing with current practical applications beneficial to society. These include the study of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas , and coal); oil reservoirs; mineral deposits; geothermal energy for electricity and heating; the structure and composition of bedrock for the location of bridges, nuclear reactors, roads, dams, and skyscrapers and other buildings; hazards involving rock and mud avalanches, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the collapse of tunnels; and coastal, cliff , and soil erosion .
• The study of the rock record on the Moon and the planets and their satellites (astrogeology). This field includes the investigation of relevant terrestrial features—namely, tektites (glassy objects resulting from meteorite impacts) and astroblemes (meteorite craters).

With such intergradational boundaries between the divisions of the Earth sciences (which, on a broader scale, also intergrade with physics , chemistry, biology , mathematics , and certain branches of engineering), researchers today must be versatile in their approach to problems. Hence, an important aspect of training within the Earth sciences is an appreciation of their multidisciplinary nature.

The origin of life on Earth, explained

The origin of life on Earth stands as one of the great mysteries of science. Various answers have been proposed, all of which remain unverified. To find out if we are alone in the galaxy, we will need to better understand what geochemical conditions nurtured the first life forms. What water, chemistry and temperature cycles fostered the chemical reactions that allowed life to emerge on our planet? Because life arose in the largely unknown surface conditions of Earth’s early history, answering these and other questions remains a challenge.

Several seminal experiments in this topic have been conducted at the University of Chicago, including the Miller-Urey experiment that suggested how the building blocks of life could form in a primordial soup.

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• When did life on Earth begin?

Where did life on Earth begin?

What are the ingredients of life on earth, what are the major scientific theories for how life emerged, what is chirality and why is it biologically important, what research are uchicago scientists currently conducting on the origins of life, when did life on earth begin .

Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Scientists think that by 4.3 billion years ago, Earth may have developed conditions suitable to support life. The oldest known fossils, however, are only 3.7 billion years old. During that 600 million-year window, life may have emerged repeatedly, only to be snuffed out by catastrophic collisions with asteroids and comets.

The details of those early events are not well preserved in Earth’s oldest rocks. Some hints come from the oldest zircons, highly durable minerals that formed in magma. Scientists have found traces of a form of carbon—an important element in living organisms— in one such 4.1 billion-year-old zircon . However, it does not provide enough evidence to prove life’s existence at that early date.

Two possibilities are in volcanically active hydrothermal environments on land and at sea.

Some microorganisms thrive in the scalding, highly acidic hot springs environments like those found today in Iceland, Norway and Yellowstone National Park. The same goes for deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These chimney-like vents form where seawater comes into contact with magma on the ocean floor, resulting in streams of superheated plumes. The microorganisms that live near such plumes have led some scientists to suggest them as the birthplaces of Earth’s first life forms.

Organic molecules may also have formed in certain types of clay minerals that could have offered favorable conditions for protection and preservation. This could have happened on Earth during its early history, or on comets and asteroids that later brought them to Earth in collisions. This would suggest that the same process could have seeded life on planets elsewhere in the universe.

The recipe consists of a steady energy source, organic compounds and water.

Sunlight provides the energy source at the surface, which drives photosynthesis. On the ocean floor, geothermal energy supplies the chemical nutrients that organisms need to live.

Also crucial are the elements important to life . For us, these are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. But there are several scientific mysteries about how these elements wound up together on Earth. For example, scientists would not expect a planet that formed so close to the sun to naturally incorporate carbon and nitrogen. These elements become solid only under very cold temperatures, such as exist in the outer solar system, not nearer to the sun where Earth is. Also, carbon, like gold, is rare at the Earth’s surface. That’s because carbon chemically bonds more often with iron than rock. Gold also bonds more often with metal, so most of it ends up in the Earth’s core. So, how did the small amounts found at the surface get there? Could a similar process also have unfolded on other planets?

The last ingredient is water. Water now covers about 70% of Earth’s surface, but how much sat on the surface 4 billion years ago? Like carbon and nitrogen, water is much more likely to become a part of solid objects that formed at a greater distance from the sun. To explain its presence on Earth, one theory proposes that a class of meteorites called carbonaceous chondrites formed far enough from the sun to have served as a water-delivery system.

There are several theories for how life came to be on Earth. These include:

Life emerged from a primordial soup

As a University of Chicago graduate student in 1952, Stanley Miller performed a famous experiment with Harold Urey, a Nobel laureate in chemistry. Their results explored the idea that life formed in a primordial soup.

Miller and Urey injected ammonia, methane and water vapor into an enclosed glass container to simulate what were then believed to be the conditions of Earth’s early atmosphere. Then they passed electrical sparks through the container to simulate lightning. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, soon formed. Miller and Urey realized that this process could have paved the way for the molecules needed to produce life.

Scientists now believe that Earth’s early atmosphere had a different chemical makeup from Miller and Urey’s recipe. Even so, the experiment gave rise to a new scientific field called prebiotic or abiotic chemistry, the chemistry that preceded the origin of life. This is the opposite of biogenesis, the idea that only a living organism can beget another living organism.

Seeded by comets or meteors

Some scientists think that some of the molecules important to life may be produced outside the Earth. Instead, they suggest that these ingredients came from meteorites or comets.

“A colleague once told me, ‘It’s a lot easier to build a house out of Legos when they’re falling from the sky,’” said Fred Ciesla, a geophysical sciences professor at UChicago. Ciesla and that colleague, Scott Sandford of the NASA Ames Research Center, published research showing that complex organic compounds were readily produced under conditions that likely prevailed in the early solar system when many meteorites formed.

Meteorites then might have served as the cosmic Mayflowers that transported molecular seeds to Earth. In 1969, the Murchison meteorite that fell in Australia contained dozens of different amino acids—the building blocks of life.

Comets may also have offered a ride to Earth-bound hitchhiking molecules, according to experimental results published in 2001 by a team of researchers from Argonne National Laboratory, the University of California Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. By showing that amino acids could survive a fiery comet collision with Earth, the team bolstered the idea that life’s raw materials came from space.

In 2019, a team of researchers in France and Italy reported finding extraterrestrial organic material preserved in the 3.3 billion-year-old sediments of Barberton, South Africa. The team suggested micrometeorites as the material’s likely source. Further such evidence came in 2022 from samples of asteroid Ryugu returned to Earth by Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission. The count of amino acids found in the Ryugu samples now exceeds 20 different types .

In 1953, UChicago researchers published a landmark paper in the Journal of Biological Chemistry that marked the discovery of the pro-chirality concept , which pervades modern chemistry and biology. The paper described an experiment showing that the chirality of molecules—or “handedness,” much the way the right and left hands differ from one another—drives all life processes. Without chirality, large biological molecules such as proteins would be unable to form structures that could be reproduced.

Today, research on the origin of life at UChicago is expanding. As scientists have been able to find more and more exoplanets—that is, planets around stars elsewhere in the galaxy—the question of what the essential ingredients for life are and how to look for signs of them has heated up.

Nobel laureate Jack Szostak joined the UChicago faculty as University Professor in Chemistry in 2022 and will lead the University’s new interdisciplinary Origins of Life Initiative to coordinate research efforts into the origin of life on Earth. Scientists from several departments of the Physical Sciences Division are joining the initiative, including specialists in chemistry, astronomy, geology and geophysics.

“Right now we are getting truly unprecedented amounts of data coming in: Missions like Hayabusa and OSIRIS-REx are bringing us pieces of asteroids, which helps us understand the conditions that form planets, and NASA’s new JWST telescope is taking astounding data on the solar system and the planets around us ,” said Prof. Ciesla. “I think we’re going to make huge progress on this question.”

Last updated Sept. 19, 2022.

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Essay on Earth Science

Students are often asked to write an essay on Earth Science in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Earth Science

What is earth science.

Earth Science is the study of our planet. This includes the land, oceans, atmosphere, and even what is beneath the ground. Scientists in this field want to understand how Earth works and how it has changed over time.

Inside the Earth

The Earth is made of different layers. Starting from the outside, we have the crust, then the mantle, and the core at the center. These layers are made of rocks and metals, and they can move and change.

Above the Earth

Above the surface, we have the atmosphere. This is a mix of gases that protects us and gives us air to breathe. It also helps control the climate.

Oceans and Land

Earth Science also looks at the oceans and land. Oceans cover most of our planet and are home to many creatures. The land has mountains, valleys, and plains, and is where we live and grow food.

Why Earth Science Matters

250 words essay on earth science.

Earth Science is the study of our planet, Earth. It’s about understanding how Earth works and how it supports life. Scientists in this field look at the air, oceans, land, and life on our planet. They also study the stars and planets to see how they affect Earth.

The Layers of Earth

Our Earth is made up of different layers, like an onion. There’s a solid inner core at the center, a liquid outer core around it, a thick layer called the mantle, and a thin crust on the outside. The crust is where we live, and it includes continents and ocean floors.

Weather and Climate

Weather is what’s happening in the sky at any moment, like rain or sunshine. Climate is what the weather is like over a long time in a certain place. Earth Scientists look at patterns to predict the weather and to understand changes in climate.

Earth’s Resources

The Earth gives us many things we need, like water, air, minerals, and fuels. Scientists help find these resources and figure out how to use them without harming our planet.

Protecting Our Planet

Earth Science also helps us know how human activities change our planet. By understanding these changes, we can take better care of Earth. We can learn to use our resources wisely and protect the environment for all living things.

500 Words Essay on Earth Science

Earth Science is the study of our planet. This includes everything from the ground we walk on to the air we breathe. It looks at how the Earth was made, how it changes, and how it might look in the future. Earth Science helps us understand the world around us so we can take care of it better.

Our planet is like a big ball made of different layers. The outer layer, where we live, is called the crust. Below that is the mantle, which is very hot and has rocks that move slowly. Then comes the outer core, made of liquid metal, and the inner core, which is solid metal. These layers work together to make the Earth’s surface move and change.

Rocks and Minerals

Water on earth.

Water is very important because all living things need it to survive. Most of the Earth’s water is in the oceans, but it is also found in rivers, lakes, ice caps, and underground. The water cycle describes how water moves from the Earth’s surface to the air and back again. It rains, snows, and the sun makes water evaporate. This cycle is important for weather and climate.

Weather is what the air outside is like each day. It can be sunny, rainy, or snowy. Climate is what the weather is like over a long time in a certain place. Scientists study weather and climate to predict how they will change and how this affects us and the Earth.

Natural Disasters

Earth Science also teaches us how to take care of our planet. We learn about pollution, how to use resources wisely, and how to protect plants and animals. By understanding the Earth, we can make good choices to keep it healthy for a long time.

In conclusion, Earth Science is all about learning how our planet works. It covers everything from rocks and water to weather and natural disasters. By studying Earth Science, we can appreciate our world more and work to protect it. It’s a big subject that helps us in many ways, and it’s exciting to learn about the place we call home.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Essays About Earth: 7 Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

There are many things you need to know about our planet, so if you’re making essays about Earth, you can read these sample essays and topic ideas.

The planet Earth is where we, humans, and other living creatures live. It also provides us with all the necessities we need – air to breathe, water to drink, and soil to grow fruits and vegetables. Without its natural resources, life would be impossible for all of us. 

Writing an essay about Earth can help give knowledge and spread awareness about climate change or look at the beauty of our planet. If you are writing an essay about the Earth, here are some essay examples and topic ideas to help you get started.

Tip: If you want to use the latest grammar software, read our guide to using an AI grammar checker .

1. Short Essay On The Structure Of Planet Earth By Shyam Soni

2. interest and concern about the fate of the earth by john olson, 3. our planet in danger by derrick wells, 4. a planet without trees: a nightmare or our future by shannon cain, 5. the possibility of an asteroid falling to earth by lewis rios, 6. save earth before colonizing mars by luz estrada, 7. my earth, my responsibility by poonam ghimire, topic idea essays about earth, 1. are there more planets like earth, 2. how has the earth’s surface changed over the years, 3. causes and effects of global warming, 4. does planting trees and reforestation help limit global warming, 5. how does population growth affect earth’s climate change, 6.  human impacts on the planet earth, 7. how did the planet earth form.

“Direct observation of the interior of the Earth is not possible as the interior becomes hotter with depth which is convincingly indicated by the volcanic eruptions. Apart from the seismological studies, other important sources of data, even though indirect, logically prove that the Earth’s body comprises several layers, which are like shells resting one above the other. These layers are distinguished by their physical and chemical properties, particularly, their thickness, depth, density, temperature, metallic content, and rocks.”

Author Shyam Soni discusses some essential facts about the structure of the planet Earth. This essay focuses on its layered structure and the differences in the density and temperature at different depths.

“I have found myself increasingly interested and concerned with the fate of the Earth and the way humankind views sustainability. In my perspective, many humans believe that Earth’s materials and resources are infinite, they will always be there to feed and maintain human life. The Earth will endlessly support and provide for the needs of the humans that inhabit it. Yet, that is just simply not true, as the human population grows we use more and more of the natural resources Earth provides.”

Author John Olson shares his point of view about the Earth’s “infinite” resources and its sustainability. However, Olson tells us that it may not be as unlimited as we think because of the rapid growth of the human population.

“Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century that started in England, the people during those times were already writing down the blueprint for a problem that the succeeding generations will have to face – the increasing problem of Carbon Dioxide emissions in our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released in tons, millions of tons every day in every country – released from various factories and cars most especially. This buildup of toxic gases such as the carbon dioxide heats up our planet thereby increasing the possibility, and the danger of global warming – this is what we call the greenhouse effect.”

Author Derrick Wells talks about one of the environmental problems we are facing today – the Greenhouse Effect and the actions that we could take to save our planet Earth from the danger it can pose.

“Can we imagine a world without trees? What a world without trees would look like? Could such a world even exist? Let us close our eyes, and try to imagine a desolate Earth. Imagine no more paper, and everyone would have to resort to some other source or maybe technology could help, but that is, if anyone was left at that time. Trees are an important factor to our existence not only because they produce paper, lumber, or chewing gum, but due to the fact that they serve an important role in the carbon cycle, they are the key to our very existence! Due to the ever increasing population, that seemingly distant future is getting near each passing day.”

Author Shannon Cain shares his thought about a planet without trees, telling us what it would be like and what we can do to prevent it from happening to our home planet – the Earth. 

“Jonathan Haidt gave a speech about the possibility of an asteroid falling on Earth and asked the audience what people could do to stop them. Haidt notes that if an asteroid threatens to destroy the Earth, people will forget about their differences and stand together to fight for their survival. This is what he refers a common ground in the midst of a crisis. Haidt’s video shows us the many problems that people are facing, but yet people cannot find a common ground to fight them while the issues are threatening all of us.”

Author Lewis Rios talks about the possibility of an asteroid falling on Earth and then relates it to some common problems we are facing right now. Such as poverty, which tells us that we should all cooperate and work together to find a solution to these threats to survive. 

“Has humanity irreversibly defaced Earth from being a sustainable planet for further centuries? Many would believe that humanity has come to a point of constant destruction of Earth with no hope for change. This thought process has come forth with the resolution of starting a new sustainable planet on Mars. However, it is tremendously more challenging to restart than to fix damage and change simplistic daily routines.” 

Author Luz Estrada shares her opinion about the plan of starting a new sustainable planet on Mars. Estrada shares with the readers that it is much easier to save and fix Earth – as it is now – rather than thinking of starting a new life on a different planet, which is impossible for most people.

“Earth is a beautiful living planet in the Universe and the common habitat of more than 7 billion human population and millions of species of biodiversity. Our Earth provides us with food, shelter, and most of our requirements. Despite unavoidable free services provided by the earth to humans, we are not able to pay off her kindness to us. Rather we humans are being cruel to our Earth with our selfish activities.”

Author Poonam Ghimire talks about the selfish acts that cause Earth’s slow destruction. Ghimire encourages the readers to be responsible enough to protect and preserve our planet for the next generations.

Earth, our home, is the only planet known to support life, although there are current missions determining Mars’ past and future potential for life. While scientists continue to look for signs of life elsewhere in the universe, Earth remains the only place where we’ve ever identified living creatures. If you are writing an essay about the Earth, you can use this topic idea to discuss some Earth-like planets discovered so far.

The planet Earth has not always looked the same way it looks today; the United States, a billion years ago, was in a completely different location compared to where it is today! So, how does this happen? Why does this happen? In your essay about the Earth, you can use this topic idea to give the readers some understanding of how our planet has changed over time – like the things that took place and are still taking place.

Recent global warming is mainly because of human actions, which involve releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. An increase in greenhouse gases leads to a more significant greenhouse effect, which results in increased global warming. Global warming is also being felt everywhere – drought, heatwaves, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and storms. If you are writing an essay about the Earth, you can discuss this topic in more detail to spread awareness to your readers out there.

Planting more trees is one of the most effective ways to lessen atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and stop global warming. As the forests grow, they remove the carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis, which works as a natural reservoir to store carbon. Reforestation, one of the planned projects worldwide, is thought to help protect the environment for the next generations. You can use this topic idea for your essay about the Earth to encourage your readers to plant more trees to reduce the harmful effects of deforestation and save our home planet, Earth, from getting slowly destroyed.

Since humans require fossil fuels to power their increasingly mechanized lifestyles, human population growth is undoubtedly a significant contributor to global warming. More people mean more demand for oil, gas, coal, and other underground fuels that, when burned, release enough carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere to trap warm air inside like a greenhouse. So, in your essay about the Earth, let your readers know to what extent human population growth affects climate change and what can be done about it. 

Humans affect the planet Earth in many ways – overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. These things have caused global warming, soil erosion, poor air quality, and non-potable water. In your essay about the Earth, you can detail these negative impacts and how they can affect us, humans. 

The planet Earth’s formation remains a bizarre, scientific mystery. This is because we live on a planet in a solar system with seven other planets, and thousands of exoplanets have been discovered so far. However, the formation of planets like Earth is still a hotly debated topic. So, currently, there are only 2 leading theories about planetary formation – in your essay about the earth, look into this topic in more detail to share some exciting facts about the Earth with your readers. 

If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write a diverse essay.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Essay on Save Earth for Students and Children

500+ words essay on save earth.

Earth and the resources of earth make life possible on it. If we were to imagine our lives without these resources, that would not be possible. As life cannot function without sunshine , air, vegetation , and water . However, this is soon going to be our reality if we do not save the earth now.

The resources earth provides us with are limited. They are blessings which we do not count. Human has become selfish and is utilizing the earth’s resources at a rapid rate. We need to protect them in order to protect our lives. This is so because man and all living organisms depend on the earth for their survival.

It is The Need of the Hour

To say that saving the earth is the need of the hour would be an understatement. All the activities of humans driven by greed and selfishness have caused immense damage to the earth. It is degraded it beyond repair. Almost all the natural resources are now polluted due to these activities.

Geography Notes

Essay on the earth: top 8 essays on earth.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Earth’ for class 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Earth’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Earth

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Energy Intercepted by the Earth

Essay # 1. Origin of the Earth :

The earth came into existence between 5000 to 6000 million years ago from condensed form of a cloud of gases. By studying the hot, luminous gases of the sun, we find that sun is made of the same basic elements that are found by chemical analysis of earth’s material. In fact all the stars which have been studied seem to have the same elements.

Origin of Continents and Basins :

At present the crust of the earth is largely made up of two different kinds of materials of rocks called granite and basalt. The average specific gravity of the earth is 5.5 while that of granite and basalt is 2.7 and 3.0, respectively. Granite is typically found in continental areas and the ocean floors are made of basalt.

If rafts of basalt and granite could be imagined as floating on a very heavy plastic material, the elevation of continents could be imagined as being due to the lower specific gravity of granite in the continents and the greater specific gravity in the basins.

We do not know just how the surface of the crust became separate into granite and basaltic sectors. One theory is that while the earth was still liquid, masses of granite, like flocks of foam, floated in a still liquid basaltic sea.

When the crust was solidified, the granite masses projected to form the continents. Another hypothesis holds that the continents have been growing throughout earth’s history by building of successive thick mountain ranges.

Essay # 2. Composition of the Earth :

The outer envelopes of the gaseous material surrounding the earth are called atmosphere. Under the atmosphere is our earth on which we live. That part of the earth, which is in the form of a land, is known as the earth’s crust. It also includes the highest peaks of mountains and floors of the oceans. Part of the land, which is visible on the Globe, is called the Lithosphere (Greek, Litho = Stone).

We know that nearly 75 per cent of the whole surface of the earth is covered with natural waters like oceans, seas, lakes, rivers etc. Which is in the form of more or less, a continuous envelope around the earth.

This envelope of water is called Hydrosphere (Greek, Hudous = Water). Thus, Lithosphere and Hydrosphere in a combined form is known as the Earth’s crust. Under the Earth’s crust is the interior of the Earth. It is further sub-divided into three shells. Depending upon the nature, the material is made up as shown in the Fig. 1.1.

The earth is composed of different rocks. In an ordinary sense the term rock means something hard and resistant but the meaning of the word has been extended so as to include all natural substances of the Earth’s crust, which may be hard like granite or soft like clay and sand.

It has been estimated that 95 per cent of the Earth’s crust is made up of primary i.e., first formed (Igneous) rocks which is mostly composed of Granite having Quartz, Feldspar, Biotite mica and Hornblende in varying proportions the remaining 5 per cent of the crust is made up of Secondary (Sedimentary or Metamorphic) rocks (as shown in Fig. 1.2). The Earth’s crust is in the form of a very thin layer of solidified rocks and is heterogeneous in nature.

These rocks may be classified on the basis of their density into the following two groups:

1. Sial (Si = Silicon and A1 = Aluminium) having density 2.75 to 2.90.

2. Sima (Si = Silicon and Ma= Magnesium) having density 2.90 to 4.75.

It has been estimated that the Sial rocks are about 70 per cent of the Earth’s crust, which include chiefly Granite and Silica. These rocks are generally on the upper regions of the crust.

Sima rocks include heavy and dark coloured rocks like Basalts. In these rocks, the percentage of Silica is reduced and Magnesium attains the next importance in place of Aluminium of Sial rocks. These rocks are generally found on the floors of the Oceans and beneath Sial rocks.

It is the part of the earth below the crust and surrounding the core. The imaginary line that separates the lithosphere from the mantle is known as ‘Moho’ (Mohorovicic discontinuity). Because of high temperature and great pressure, the mineral matter in this part is the molten condition.

It is the innermost layer of the earth; it extends from below the mantle (Gutenberg discontinuity) to the central part of the earth.

On the basis of earthquake waves, the core has been further divided into two cores:

(a) Outer core.

(b) Inner core.

The outer core is 2,250 km thick and surrounds the core. It is believed that it is still in molten condition.

The inner core is also called ‘Nife’ because it consists of Nickel and iron. Its thickness is about 1,228 km. It is very hard in nature.

Essay # 3. Motions of the Earth :

The earth is held in space by combined gravitational attraction of sun and other heavenly bodies and has motions that are controlled by them.

The two principal motions of earth are:

1. Rotation of earth about its axis

2. Revolution of earth around sun

(i) Rotation :

The earth rotates upon an imaginary axis, which owing to the polar flattening is the shortest diameter. The earth rotates from west to east (in anti-clockwise direction) and it takes 24 hours to complete one rotation. During this period most of the places on the sphere are turned alternately towards and away from the sun, have experienced a period of light and darkness.

This causes day and night. This unit of time is called solar day. The direction of rotation (west to east) not only determines the direction in which the sun and stars rise but is also responsible for the direction of prevailing winds and ocean currents.

Importance of earth’s rotation :

The effects of the earth’s rotation are of great importance to the environment. The rotation indirectly accounts for the diurnal changes in weather such as warming up during daytime and cooling down at night. Thus the rotation affects diurnal rhythm, day light, air temperature, air humidity and air motion. Plants and animals respond to this diurnal rhythm. Green plants store energy during day and consume some part of heat during night.

Rotation of earth turns both air and water in one direction. The flow of air and water are turned towards right in the northern hemisphere towards left in the southern hemisphere. This phenomenon is called the coriolis effect. It is of great importance in studying the earth’s systems of winds and ocean currents.

(ii) Revolution :

The path of the earth around the sun is called orbit and the rotating earth revolves in a slightly elliptical orbit about the sun from which it keeps an average distance of 150 million km.

The time required for the earth to pass one complete orbit fixes the length of the year and this journey takes a few minutes less than 365 1/4 days (365.242 solar days). Earth revolves around the sun in anticlockwise direction. The rate of earth’s revolution is more than 1,06,260 km/hour.

Importance of revolution :

The rotation and revolution of earth are of great significance in meteorology. The rotation indirectly accounts for the diurnal changes in weather such as warming up during daytime and cooling down at night. Seasonal changes are dependent on the revolution of earth. When the earth is at perihelion (January 3), the sun is close to the earth, as a result greater intensity of solar radiation is received at the earth surface.

This position occurs during winter season. When the earth is at aphelion, the earth is farthest from sun, as a result the heat received at the earth surface is less. This occurs during summer season (July 4). However, the distance between sun and earth varies only about 3 per cent during one revolution.

As the earth moves forward in its orbit, its axis remains inclined at 23 1/2° from the perpendicular to the plane of the earth’s orbit. This tilt of 23 1/2° does not change throughout the year as the earth revolves around the sun.

It causes the change in seasons regularly through spring, summer, autumn and winter because of the inclination of the earth’s axis, constant direction of tilt of that axis and revolution of the earth around the sun.

Sidereal day :

The true rotation time is called sidereal day. It is denoted by ‘S’.

The number of hours, minutes and seconds in a sidereal day are given below:

Lengths of the day :

Earth receives solar radiation from the sun during day time. Day length can be defined as the total time between sunrise and sunset. Length of the day is partly controlled by the latitude of the earth and partly by the season of the year. The day length at the equator is about. 12 hours throughout the year, whereas at the poles it varies between 0 and 21 hours from winter to summer.

Solar radiation received at any location of the earth depends upon the day length. Maximum amount of solar radiation is received in the higher latitude during summer solstice because it is period of continuous day.

The amount of solar radiation received during the December solstice in southern hemisphere is theoretically greater than that received in the northern hemisphere during the June solstice. The equator has two radiation maxima at the equinoxes and two minima at the solstices.

Length of the day plays an important role in the life cycle of the crop plants. In fact, day length indicates the photoperiod available for the growth of the crop plants. Every plant requires different photoperiod for the initiation of flowering. On the basis of day length, plants can be divided into different categories. The plants which require less than 10 hours day length, are called short day plants.

If the requirement of the plants is greater than 14 hours day length, then these are called long day plants. In between these two types, there are intermediate plants, which require photoperiod of 12 – 14 hours. However, the plants which are not affected by day length, are called day neutral plants.

Essay # 4. Movement of the Earth:

Many changes on the crust of the earth can be seen as a result of the works of internal forces in the earth’s interior. The works of internal forces are generally called earth movement. Sometimes, the earth movement may be very very slow and sometimes it may be sudden.

It is believed that originally the landmasses were united together in the form of a great landmass known as Pangaea. In course of time the Pangaea had broken into several pieces and drifted into different directions. The drifting is called Continental Drift and the theory was propounded by Alfred Wagner. The northern part of the landmass was known as Laurasia.

Eventually it had broken down to form North America, Europe and Asia. About 120 million years ago, the southern part of India, East Africa, Madagascar, Australia, South Africa, South America and the Antarctica were together and formed the single landmass known as ‘Gondwana land’. The ‘Gondwana land’ started breaking into several pieces and India took its present shape about 60 million years ago.

During the last million years, the Himalayas had risen to its present height due to earth movements. Similarly, it has been proved that the Aravallies and the Vindhyas in the middle of India were once at the bottom of the sea.

The forested areas near Bombay harbour, the Mahabalipuram temple in the sea, submergence of a vast area of nearly 5000 sq km in the Runn of Kutch during 1819 and a land of about 1500 sq km raised to a height of several metres, are some of the results of the earth movement.

The earth movements which bring about vast changes are called Tectonic movements. It has been already mentioned that earth movements may be very slow and sudden.

Slow Movements :

The slow movements of the earth’s crust are due to various chemical and physical reactions that take place at the earth’s interior. The movement may be so slow that its result may not be seen on the surface during 100 to 200 years.

The raising of the eastern coastal plain up to a height of 15-30 metres, the existence of coal beds below the sea level in the Sundarban Delta, the existence of a forest near the Bombay harbour and submergence of a vast area in the Runn of Kutch are some of the Indian examples of slow earth movement.

A change in sea level in its advance or retreat with respect to adjacent land is relative to each other. When the sea advances to land, it is generally called a Positive Movement and the land advancing against the sea is known as Negative Movement.

On the basis of the structural changes that are caused by the tectonic movement, the earth movements may be grouped into two classes:

(i) Vertical or Epeirogenic Movement

(ii) Horizontal or Orogenic Movement.

Vertical Movement :

Due to earth movement some parts of earth surface may be raised or sunk with respect to the surrounding areas. This type of movement is known as Vertical Movement. When a part of the earth’s crust is raised in relation to its surrounding area, it is known as uplift. In the same way when a portion is sunk in relation to its surrounding areas, it is called subsidence.

Earth movement of this type, when takes place over extensive area generally leads to the building up of continents and Plateaus. That is why, this type of movement is also known as Epeirogenic movement or Continent building movement. As a result of their movement, the horizontal arrangement of the earth’s crust remains almost undisturbed.

Millions of years ago there used to be a continent where we find Atlantic Ocean today. In the beginning of the earth’s history such movements had been more frequent and the present-day arrangement of the continents might have been the result of this movement.

Horizontal Movement :

The forces of horizontal movement affect tangentially. It involves both the forces of compression and tension. These two types of movements are related to each other. Compression in one part of the crust is bound to produce tension at another place. The compression leads to the bending of horizontal layers into a shape known as fold.

The tension is responsible for breaking of rock layers with subsequent sliding or displacement. It is known as fault. The processes of making folds and faults are known as folding and faulting.

When two horizontal forces act towards a common point from opposite directions folding takes place. Deep within the earth, this force tends to cause bending of rock strata. Like seawaves, rocks are thrown into upfolds and downfolds. The upfolds are called anticlines and the downfolds are known as synclines.

When two forces act horizontally in opposite directions from a common point, it generates tension and the process is known as faulting. As a result, the rocks break along a line which is known as fault line. The faulted rocks may be thrown upwards or slided downwards.

The mountains over the surface of the earth owe their origin to the process of folding and faulting. That is why, the horizontal movement is also known as orogenic or mountain building movement. The Himalayas on the northern border of India, the Alps of Europe, the Rockies of the North America and the Andes of South America are some of the newly folded mountain ranges of the world.

Aravallies, Ural, Tiensan and Appalachia are some of the old folded mountains of the world. Similarly, the Black Forest of Germany, the Voges of France, the Vindhyas and the Satpura of India are some of the examples of fault or block mountains of the world.

Plate Tectonics :

Plate tectonics is the most modern theory about the formation of folded mountains. According to this theory, the world has been divided into six major plates and several smaller plates. Each of the plates is composed of crust up to a depth of 100 km from the surface of the earth.

Due to the forces at the earth’s interior, these plates are moving in different directions. As a result of rubbing of the two plates, the folded mountains have been formed at the edges of the plates.

The six major plates are:

(1) Pacific Plate

(2) North American Plate

(3) South American Plate

(4) African Plate

(5) Eurasian Plate

(6) Indo-Australian Plate.

The smaller plates are:

(a) China Plate

(d) Nazca Plate

(c) Cocos Plate

(b) Antarctic Plate

(e) Caribbean Plate

Where plates separate and new ocean floor is created, mid-ocean ridges are the boundaries. The plates are rigid. Their boundaries are marked by earthquakes and often by volcanoes. Where plates collide and overlap, young mountains, arcs and trenches are the boundaries.

Sudden Movement :

Sudden movement of the earth crust can be noticed during earthquake. Some parts of the land surface of New Zealand were raised by about 3 metres during the earthquake of 1885. Similarly, some areas of Japan sank by about 6 metres during 1891 earthquake. Recently, during the earthquake of 1950, the bed of the Brahmaputra River had been raised leading to various changes in the valley.

Essay # 5. Interior of the Earth :

To know exactly about the interior of the earth is more difficult than that of taking photograph of other planets with the help of satellites or by walking on the surface of the moon. It has not been possible till today to collect direct evidences about the structure of the earth.

However, geographers and geologists have collected indirect evidences about the structures and composition. On the average, the radius from the centre to the surface of the earth is 6320 km but, the deepest mine in the world in South Africa is about only 4 km deep and man could dig up to a maximum depth of 6 km in search of oil.

In other words, man has been able to get direct evidences about the structure and composition of the earth’s interior up-to a depth not more than 5 to 6 km from the surface.

The knowledge beyond this limit is based primarily on indirect scientific evidences. The indirect evidences are based on temperature and pressure inside the earth, density of materials and behaviour of earthquake waves. Still uncertainty persists. On the basis of the different scientific observations it has been concluded that there exists different layers inside the earth.

Temperature and Pressure of the Earth’s Interior :

The hot and molten lava, ash, smoke that come out at the time of volcanic eruption as well as the hot water springs are some of the evidences which confirm that interior of the earth is having a very high temperature. It has been found from mining operations also that the temperature increases at the average rate of 1°C per 32 metres depth.

At this rate of increase of temperature, the rocks at great depth of the earth’s interior should be in molten state. Actually, this was the view earlier that the crust of the earth is floating on a massive molten materials.

But, the study of earthquake waves has indicated that the temperature does not increase uniformly from the surface to the centre of the earth. The rate of increase in temperature is not uniform. Scientists also have proved that the main reasons of increase in temperature are the fusion of radio-active materials and other chemical reactions. The tremendous pressure from the overlaying materials makes the melting point higher.

On the basis of this, in upper 100 km, increase of temperature is estimated to be 12°C per km; in the next 300 km it is 2°C per km and below it 1°C per km. At this rate the temperature at the core of the earth is estimated to be 6000°C.

At this temperature, the materials in the central part of the earth’s interior should have been at gaseous state but due to tremendous pressure from the outer layers, the materials assume liquid properties and acquire properties of solid or plastic state. Therefore, the earth behaves mostly as solid down to a depth of 2900 km because of tremendous pressure.

Density and Composition of the Earth’s Interior :

By studying the speed and path of earthquake waves, temperature and pressure conditions inside the earth, scientists are of the opinion that the physical properties, density and composition of the materials are different at varying depths. The structure of the earth is therefore layered. The earth consists of three layers, one inside the other like an onion. They are the crust, the mantle and the core.

The topmost layer of the earth is solid, the thinnest, and the lightest and is known as Lithosphere. The lithosphere has again two layers-outer part immediately below the newer sedimentary formation, popularly known as crust and the inner part of greater strength. The crust of the earth is composed of sedimentary and granitic rocks.

The inner layer of lithosphere has basaltic and ultra-basic rocks. While the outer layer of lithosphere is found mainly under continents, the inner layer is found partly under oceans. The average density of lithosphere is 2.65 to 2.90. ‘Silica’ and ‘Aluminium’ are abundant. Therefore, it is popularly known as SIAL (Silica + Aluminium). The average thickness is 8 to 100 km.

Below this top layer is the layer of basalt rock which is heavier than the topmost layer. The density varies from 3.1 to 5.00. It assumes the properties of solid and partly plastic materials. The average thickness of this layer is 100 to 2900 km. In this layer, Silica and Magnesium elements predominate and it is popularly known as SIMA (Silica + Magnesium).

The SIMA also has two layers—Inner silicate layer at the top with average thickness of 100 to 1700 km and Transitional zone of mixed metals and silicates with an average thickness of 1700 to 2900 km. These two SIMA layers are also known as MANTLE. The surface that separates crust and mantle is known as Mohorovicic Discontinuity or simply MOHO.

Finally, the innermost layer exists at the central core of the earth with density 5.1 to 13.00. It is composed of the heaviest mineral materials. This central mass is mainly made of ‘nickel’ and ‘iron’ therefore known as NIFE (Nickel + Ferrous). The core contains 1/3 of the entire mass of the earth.

The materials of this part may be in liquid, plastic or even solid state due to tremendous pressure from above. It has also two layers-outer metallic core with average thickness of 2900 to 4980 km and inner metallic core between 4980 to 6400 km. The inner metallic core is also known as Barysphere (Fig. 2.4).

The three layers of the earth have been called by different geologists in different manners. German scientist Gracht called them SIAL, SIMA and NIFE. Jeffrey called them as Top, Middle and Lower layers while Professor Holmes called them the Crust, the Substratum and the Core. The relationship has been mentioned in Table 2.2.

From Table 2.2, it can be estimated that crust of the earth forms less than 1 per cent; mantle 16 per cent and 83 per cent makes the core. The earth being a spherical body has materials of varying densities at varying depths.

Materials of the Earth’s Crust :

The word ‘Lithosphere’ means a sphere of rocks. The upper portion of lithosphere is referred to as the crust of the earth. Down to depth of nearly 16 km from the surface under the continents, 95 per cent of the materials that form the crust consist of rocks and the rest 5 per cent minerals.

The term rock refers to hard masses of earth’s crust as well as loose and soft particles like sand and clay. The rocks are formed of the mixture of various minerals. All rocks do not have same chemical composition and structure.

But, every mineral has its own chemical composition and physical properties. The minerals generally occur in the form of crystals. The rocks and minerals are generally composed of certain chemical elements like oxygen, silica, aluminium, iron and calcium, etc.

Each mineral usually contains two or more simple substances called elements. There are about 2000 minerals but only 12 are common all over the earth. These 12 minerals are basically responsible for the formation of rocks.

Mineral may be defined as a naturally occurring non-living solid substance possessing certain physical properties and definite chemical composition. The minerals may be either elements or compounds and also metallic or non-metallic.

The most abundant elements in nature are silicates, carbonates, chlorides, sulphates and oxides. As much as 87 per cent of the minerals of the earth’s crust are silicates and 59 per cent of the rocks are formed of the minerals of silica group.

The distribution of minerals in the earth’s crust is as follows (Table 2.3):

Minerals are of two types -Rock forming and Ore forming:

It is one of the most abundantly available minerals in earth’s crust. It has two elements— Silicon and Oxygen. They unite together to form a compound, known as carbonate of lime. It is transparent in its pure state. However, quartz may be of different colours when it is mixed up with other elements. Its hardness is 7, specific gravity 2.65. Quartz is hexagonal and its structure is SiO 2 (Silicon dioxide).

Feldspar is one of the important elements of rock and nearly 50 per cent of the earth’s crust is composed of feldspar. It is made of silicates of aluminium, potassium, sodium, calcium and oxygen. Feldspar is of two types—Orthoclase and Plagioclase.

Orthoclase has specific gravity of 2.57, its hardness is 6 and structure is Ca 2 SiO 4 (Calcium Silicate). The specific gravity of plagioclase feldspar is 2.60 to 2.74, hardness is 6 to 6.5 and the structural formula is Na 2 OAl 2 O 6 SiO 2 (Sodium Aluminium Silicate) and CaOAl 2 O 3 2SiO 2 (Calcium Aluminium Silicate).

Mica is formed of the elements of hydrogen, potassium, aluminium, magnesium, iron and silicon. Mica is of two types—Black Biotite and White Muscovite. Mica is found in thin sheets.

Its hardness is 2.5 to 3, specific gravity is 2.70 to 3 and the structural formulae are:

Black Biotite – (AlFe) 2 (MgFe) (HK) 2 (SiO 4 ) 3

White Muscovite – K 2 O 3 Al 2 O 3 6SiO 2 2H 2 O. (Potassium Aluminium Silicate)

Calcite is formed of the chemical composition of calcium, magnesium, carbon dioxide and oxygen. It is white in colour, it may take other colour also. Its hardness is 3, specific gravity 2.70 and structural formula is CaCO 3 (Calcium Carbonate).

Magnetite :

It is composed of Silicon, Iron and Oxygen. Its hardness is from 5.5 to 6.5 and specific gravity is 5.19. Magnetite is not transparent and chemical formula is Fe 3 O 4 (Ferros Ferric Oxide).

Haematite :

Haematite is also made up of Iron and Oxygen. Its hardness is 5.5 to 6.5, specific gravity is 4.9 to 5.3 and structural formula is Fe 2 O 3 (Ferric Oxide).

Graphite is another mineral made of carbon. Its hardness is 1.5 to 2, specific gravity is 2.15 and structural formula is C (Carbon).

In addition to the above, there are many other rock and ore forming minerals. The minerals that form with oxygen are called oxides. Quartz, Magnetite, Limonite (2Fe 2 O 3 ) 3 , (Ferric Oxide), Cromite (FeOCr 2 O 3 ), Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) belong to oxide group.

The minerals that form of Calcium, Carbon and Oxygen are called carbonates. Calcite (CaCO 3 ) (Calcium Carbonate), Dolomite (CaMg) (Calcium Magnesium), Cidarite (FeCO 3 ) (Ferrous Carbonate) ‘etc.’ belong to this group. Mineral salt (NaCl) belong to chloride group and Gypsum (CaSO 4 2H 2 O) (Hydrated Calcium Sulphate) are of sulphate group.

The minerals that have only one element are known as Native Minerals, Gold, Silver, Lead, Copper, etc., belong to this group.

The Rocks :

In terms of origin, the rocks can be classified into two main varieties, namely, Igneous rocks and Sedimentary rocks. But when these rocks are subjected to prolonged fluctuations of temperature and pressure, they are transformed to a new variety which is termed as metamorphic rocks.

Essay # 6. Theories of the Earth:

There are several hypotheses about the origin of the universe and the earth. In 1755, German philosopher Immanuel Kant put forward a theory that a spherical mass of gas called Nebula was rotating and its size was like that of the sun.

Due to rotation and cooling through radiation, the outer portion became denser and rings were thrown out. In course of time, these rings condensed into planets while the remnant continues as the sun (Table 2.1).

In 1796, Laplace- a great French Mathematician supported the Nebular hypothesis. However, there are several criticisms against Laplace’s theory and the most important one is that rings cannot condense into planets.

Kelvin’s Nuclear clots Hypothesis and Chamberlin and Moulton’s Planetesimal Hypothesis are other two hypotheses relating to the origin of the earth. However, they also lack in certain aspects of acceptability.

Tidal Hypothesis :

Looking from different angles, the Tidal Hypothesis of Jean and Jeffreys – well-known scientist of England has been found to be more acceptable. According to this hypothesis, the sun was a big and extensive mass of gas moving in space. Once, another much larger star happened to come closer to the sun and due to gravitational pull of this star a tide occurred on the surface of the sun.

As a result, protuberances of material from the sun came out towards the approaching star and in course of time it gave birth to earth and other planets of the solar system (Fig. 2.1).

There are several points in favour of Jean and Jeffreys (Tidal Hypothesis):

(1) If the density of the sun increases from its surface towards the interior, it is quite natural that the protuberances come out from the surface like a filament having lesser density. Naturally, the protuberances produced by the passing star should have been thicker in the middle and thinner at both the ends. The arrangement of the planets in the solar system is also like a cigar-middle portion bigger and tapering towards the two ends.

When the passing star had gone far away, the filament has been broken into pieces and due to the gravitational force of the sun started rotating around the sun. The planets of bigger size in the middle and smaller size towards the two ends can be seen in Fig. 2.2. Mercury is the smallest and nearest to the sun, Jupiter, the largest is in the middle.

(2) The arrangement of the satellites of respective planet also confirms the validity of this hypothesis. Saturn, the second largest planet has the largest number of 18 satellites and Jupiter, the largest planet has 16 satellites. Uranus and Neptune have 17 and 8 satellites respectively.

(3) Lastly, on the basis of this hypothesis it can be seen that bigger planets remained in the gaseous state for a longer time and have helped in formation of more number of satellites than that of the smaller planets which condensed quickly and did not have scope for formation of satellites.

This hypothesis is also known as Hit and Run Hypothesis or Catastrophic Hypothesis or Tidal Action Hypothesis.

Tidal Disruption Theory :

The earth and planets and their satellites were all part of the sun or another sun like star at that time. There are many theories regarding the formation of the solar system and our earth. One is the tidal disruption theory by Jaans and Jeffereys. This theory states that in the beginning sun was hot and in a gaseous state.

A big star moved across, which caused the tidal disruption of hot gas and it left the sun with a revolving arm or a filament of hot gas, like a spiral nebula .The cooling of filament broke up the sun into masses which began to contract toward nuclei forming planets. The gaseous planets and their satellites continued to revolve as they did after the star passed away. Gradual cooling formed liquids and final solids.

The more volatile material of the earth remained in the gaseous state and formed our atmosphere, originally much deeper and of a higher temperature than now. As the atmosphere cooled, the water vapour condensed and formed clouds. As cooling continued, rain fell and oceans formed.

Steady State Theory:

Another theory which can be considered as alternative to the Big Bang Theory is the Steady State Theory. It is propounded by Hoyle. Here, Hoyle propounded that the Universe remained of the same size at any given point of time. However, this theory has been discarded after evidences of expanding universe.

Big Bang Theory :

Another recent and most convincing proposition regarding the origin of the universe including the planet earth is the Big Bang Theory or Expanding Universe Theory. Eduin Hubble provided evidence of expanding universe in 1920. The theory assumes that the universe began from huge mass of atoms called primeval atoms or cosmic eggs having a state of infinite density.

The universe initiated its origin 15 million years ago when a dense mass of material exploded in the so-called big bang. The explosion sent all of the materials of the universe outward in a cosmos that is still expanding. All of the galaxies, planets, asteroids, and other bodies in the universe were formed from the gas and dust of this extraordinary explosion.

This theory was put forward by an astronomer cum priest named George Lamaitre in 1927. It is felt that the expansion of the universe will continue for a long time. After that perhaps the expansion will slow down. At any point of time, if similar condition prevails the stimeval atoms may become active again and another explosion (big bang) may take place.

Although many scientists contributed to the development of this theory, it was George Gamow who coined the term Big Bang in 1946. Gamow with RA Alpher envisaged a high temperature state in the beginning of the universe.

Evolution of the Earth and Life forms :

The evolution of the earth can be described as follows in terms of various stages. In the initial stages the earth was barren, rocky and hot. It had thin layers of hydrogen and helium. During the period of 4000 million years till now the earth had been through several processes and life evolved.

From the top of the atmosphere to the centre of the earth different density materials have formed different layers. The process of separating denser materials from the lighter materials is called differentiation. The present atmosphere contains water vapour, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and small quantity of oxygen. Plants are the major sources of oxygen on earth.

The oceans formed within 500 million years from the formation of the earth. Life began approximately 3000 million years ago. The process of photosynthesis began between 2500 and 3000 million years ago. The first life of the earth was confined to oceans in the form of small bacteria. The evolution of life from bacteria to modern man is shown by Geological Time Scale expressed in terms of Eons, Era, Period and Epoch.

Essay # 7. Numerical Facts about the Earth :

The earth is spherical in shape with a bulge at the middle and a slight flattening at the poles. The equatorial radius is 6374 km and the polar radius is 6357 km. The mean distance from the sun is 150 million km.

Continental Drift Theory :

The making of the continents began 200 million years ago (during the Persian period) with the split of gigantic landmass known as PANGEA. Two continents laurasia to the north and Gondwana to the south were formed. Later on, these were sub divided into smaller parts approximately the shapes of Africa, Eurasia North and South America, Australia and Antarctica as we know today. This theory is known as continental drift theory.

Continents and Oceans of the World :

During Persian period, outer surface of the earth was broken into 10 major and a number of minor sections called plates. It is on these plates that continents rest. The rifts between the plates were filled with molten material from the mantle pushing the plates to either side and farther and farther as the material continued to seep through. Since this material was heavier, it levelled off below sea level forming ocean floors as water from the pacific flowed in.

A continent is a large, continuous area of land on the earth. All continents together constitute less than one-third of the earth’s surface, more than two-third of the earth’s surface are covered with water. Two third of the continental land mass is located in the northern hemisphere.

There is no standard definition for the number of continents in the world. By most standards, there are a maximum of seven continents Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, north America and south America. In Europe, many students are taught about six continents, where north and south America are considered to form one America.

Many geographers and scientists now refer to six continents, where Europe and Asia are combined, called Eurasia, because they are one solid land mass. By the definition of a continent as a large continuous area of land, the pacific islands of Oceania are not a continent, but one could say, they belong to a continent e.g. Oceania is sometimes associated with the continent of Australia.

Essay # 8. Energy Intercepted by the Earth :

Radius of the earth = r

Area of the earth = π r 2

Solar constant = S

Total energy intercepted by the earth in unit time = π r 2 S

= 6.37 x 10 21 cal day -1

Surface area of the earth = 4 π r 2

If this energy is spread uniformly over the full surface of earth, then the energy received per unit area per unit time (Q S ) can be given as follows:

But the distribution of solar radiation over the earth surface is not uniform, annual value at the equator is 2.4 times that at the poles. Incident solar energy at the surface depends upon geographic location, orientation of the surface, time of the day, time of the year and atmospheric conditions i.e. clear, cloudy, foggy etc..

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Essay on Earth For Students

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Essay on Earth: The Earth is our home, a remarkable planet that has provided the perfect conditions for life to thrive. From the vast oceans to the towering mountains, our planet is a diverse and incredible place. However, it is also facing significant challenges, such as climate change and environmental degradation. In this article, we will explore the importance of Earth, its beauty, and the urgent need for us to protect and preserve it for generations to come. We have provided sample essays of various lengths (100, 200, 400, and 500 words) to help you understand the significance of our planet and the need to protect it.

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Long and Short Essays on Earth

Whether you are looking for a short essay on Earth of 100 words or a long essay of 500 words, we have got you covered. Here we have provided sample essays on earth with all the information that you need.

Short Essay on Earth of 100 Words

The Earth, often referred to as the “Blue Planet,” is a remarkable celestial body in our solar system. It’s situated at just the right distance from the Sun, allowing it to maintain a stable climate and support a wide variety of life forms. Earth’s diverse landscapes, from towering mountains to vast oceans, offer a breathtaking tapestry of natural beauty.

Our planet is home to a rich tapestry of ecosystems, from dense rainforests teeming with wildlife to arid deserts adapted to harsh conditions. Earth’s atmosphere, composed of vital gases like oxygen and nitrogen, sustains life by providing the air we breathe.

In recent years, concerns about environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss have highlighted the need to protect our planet. As inhabitants of Earth, it’s our collective responsibility to conserve its natural resources, reduce pollution, and combat climate change to ensure a sustainable and habitable world for future generations.

Earth Essay of 250 Words

The Earth is our home, a beautiful and complex planet that supports and sustains life. It is the only known planet in the universe that can sustain life and has a diverse range of ecosystems, from the deep oceans to the tall mountains.

One of the most remarkable features of Earth is its abundance of water. About 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, creating vast oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. Water is essential for all forms of life, and it plays a crucial role in the planet’s climate and weather patterns.

Another crucial aspect of Earth is its atmosphere. The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). This atmosphere protects us from the harsh conditions of outer space, provides us with the air we breathe, and helps regulate the Earth’s temperature. The atmosphere also acts as a shield, blocking harmful radiation from reaching the surface.

The Earth is also home to a wide variety of living organisms, from microorganisms to plants and animals. Biodiversity is essential for the stability and health of ecosystems. Each organism has its role to play in the intricate web of life on Earth, ensuring the balance of ecosystems and the survival of all species.

In conclusion, the Earth is a remarkable and precious planet that sustains life in all its forms. We must recognize the importance of preserving and protecting the Earth’s resources and ecosystems to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Essay on Earth of 400 Words

The Earth, often referred to as the “Blue Planet,” is a marvel of the cosmos. It is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system, distinguished by its unique ability to support a diverse range of life forms. Earth’s breathtaking landscapes, intricate ecosystems, and dynamic climate make it a planet like no other.

One of the most striking features of our planet is its diverse geography. From the highest peaks of the Himalayas to the deepest ocean trenches, Earth’s landscapes are a testament to the forces of nature. Mountains, deserts, forests, grasslands, and oceans provide habitats for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, each uniquely adapted to their environments.

Earth’s oceans, covering more than 70% of its surface, are teeming with life. Coral reefs, kelp forests, and the open ocean are home to a dazzling array of marine species, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate and are a source of sustenance for millions of people around the world.

The Earth’s atmosphere, a mixture of gases, is essential for life as we know it. Oxygen, nitrogen, and trace gases make up the air we breathe, while the ozone layer shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The atmosphere also influences the planet’s climate, with weather patterns and climatic zones varying across the globe.

However, the Earth is facing a host of environmental challenges. Human activities, such as deforestation, industrial emissions, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels, have contributed to climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The consequences of these actions are becoming increasingly evident, with rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and the decline of numerous species.

Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from the global community. As inhabitants of Earth, we have a shared responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for current and future generations. This includes adopting sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and reducing our ecological footprint.

Efforts to combat climate change, transition to renewable energy sources, and protect vulnerable ecosystems are critical steps in safeguarding the Earth’s future. Environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture are essential components of responsible stewardship of our planet.

In conclusion, the Earth is a remarkable and fragile planet, home to an incredible diversity of life and natural wonders. It is our duty to act as caretakers of this planet, ensuring that it remains a habitable and vibrant world for generations to come. By embracing sustainable practices and taking proactive measures to address environmental challenges, we can protect the invaluable gift that is our home, the Earth.

Long Essay on Earth of 500 Words

The Earth is our home, a beautiful blue-green planet spinning gracefully in the vastness of space. It is the only known planet that can sustain life, making it incredibly precious and deserving of our care and protection. In this essay, we will explore some of the unique characteristics of Earth, the importance of preserving our planet, and the role each individual can play in making a positive impact on our environment.

Firstly, Earth’s diverse ecosystems make it an extraordinary place. From lush rainforests to expansive deserts, the planet is home to an immense variety of flora and fauna. The intricate balance of these ecosystems is crucial to the overall health of our planet. Each species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in maintaining this balance. For instance, bees are essential for pollinating flowers and plants, contributing to the production of fruits and seeds. Understanding the interconnectedness of all living beings on Earth reminds us of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of each species.

Secondly, Earth’s natural resources sustain human life and support various industries. Freshwater sources provide drinking water and irrigation for crops that feed billions of people. Our oceans not only contain a vast array of marine life but also serve as a source of food for many communities. The Earth’s minerals and fossil fuels, while valuable for energy and construction, are finite resources that need to be used wisely. By practicing sustainable consumption and resource management, we can ensure that future generations have access to these vital resources.

Furthermore, Earth’s climate plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. The Earth’s atmosphere acts as a protective shield, filtering harmful radiation and regulating temperature. However, human activities have led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the melting of polar ice caps are just some of the consequences of this phenomenon. We must acknowledge our responsibility in climate change and strive to reduce our carbon footprint through initiatives such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation.

The 21st century poses numerous environmental challenges, but it also presents opportunities for positive change. Each individual can make a difference in preserving and protecting our planet. Education and awareness are essential in ensuring that everyone understands the importance of environmental conservation. Small actions such as recycling, reducing water usage, and supporting local and sustainable products can collectively have a significant impact. Additionally, governments and corporations play a critical role in enacting policies and practices that prioritize sustainability and reduce emissions. Collaboration between different sectors of society is necessary to address the global environmental crisis effectively.

In conclusion, the Earth is a remarkable planet, providing a home for countless species and sustaining human life. Preserving our planet’s ecosystems, conserving natural resources, and addressing climate change are crucial for the well-being of future generations. Each individual has a role to play in making a positive impact on the environment, whether through personal lifestyle choices or collective action. It is our responsibility to protect our planet and ensure that it remains a place of beauty and sustenance for generations to come.

FAQs on Essay on Earth

What is earth often referred to as.

Earth is often referred to as the Blue Planet due to the abundance of water covering over 70% of its surface.

What percentage of Earth's surface is covered by oceans?

Over 70% of Earth's surface is covered by oceans, making them a defining feature of our planet.

What are the key challenges Earth faces today?

Earth faces challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity, primarily driven by human activities.

Why is combating climate change important for Earth's future?

Combating climate change is crucial because it addresses rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and their impact on ecosystems, communities, and the planet's habitability.

What is the significance of raising awareness about environmental issues?

Raising awareness is vital to educate people about environmental challenges and inspire action to protect and preserve Earth's delicate balance.

What is the essay of Earth?

An essay about Earth provides a comprehensive exploration of our planet, including its geography, ecosystems, significance, and the environmental challenges it faces.

What is a short paragraph about the Earth?

Earth, also known as the Blue Planet, is a remarkable celestial body in our solar system, distinguished by its diverse landscapes, life-sustaining ecosystems, and the pressing need for environmental conservation.

What is Earth short notes?

The Earth, our home in the vast expanse of the cosmos, is a planet of unparalleled beauty, complexity, and significance. As the third planet from the Sun in our solar system, it occupies a unique position that has allowed life to flourish in all its diversity.

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Planet Earth, explained

Our home planet provides us with life and protects us from space.

Earth, our home planet, is a world unlike any other. The third planet from the sun, Earth is the only place in the known universe confirmed to host life.

With a radius of 3,959 miles, Earth is the fifth largest planet in our solar system, and it's the only one known for sure to have liquid water on its surface. Earth is also unique in terms of monikers. Every other solar system planet was named for a Greek or Roman deity, but for at least a thousand years, some cultures have described our world using the Germanic word “earth,” which means simply “the ground.”

Our dance around the sun

Earth orbits the sun once every 365.25 days. Since our calendar years have only 365 days, we add an extra leap day every four years to account for the difference.

Though we can't feel it, Earth zooms through its orbit at an average velocity of 18.5 miles a second. During this circuit, our planet is an average of 93 million miles away from the sun, a distance that takes light about eight minutes to traverse. Astronomers define this distance as one astronomical unit (AU), a measure that serves as a handy cosmic yardstick.

Earth rotates on its axis every 23.9 hours, defining day and night for surface dwellers. This axis of rotation is tilted 23.4 degrees away from the plane of Earth's orbit around the sun, giving us seasons. Whichever hemisphere is tilted closer to the sun experiences summer, while the hemisphere tilted away gets winter. In the spring and fall, each hemisphere receives similar amounts of light. On two specific dates each year—called the equinoxes—both hemispheres get illuminated equally.

Many layers, many features

About 4.5 billion years ago, gravity coaxed Earth to form from the gaseous, dusty disk that surrounded our young sun. Over time, Earth's interior—which is made mostly of silicate rocks and metals—differentiated into four layers.

At the planet's heart lies the inner core, a solid sphere of iron and nickel that's 759 miles wide and as hot as 9,800 degrees Fahrenheit. The inner core is surrounded by the outer core, a 1,400-mile-thick band of iron and nickel fluids. Beyond the outer core lies the mantle, a 1,800-mile-thick layer of viscous molten rock on which Earth's outermost layer, the crust, rests. On land, the continental crust is an average of 19 miles thick, but the oceanic crust that forms the seafloor is thinner—about three miles thick—and denser.

Like Venus and Mars, Earth has mountains, valleys, and volcanoes. But unlike its rocky siblings, almost 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered in oceans of liquid water that average 2.5 miles deep. These bodies of water contain 97 percent of Earth's volcanoes and the mid-ocean ridge , a massive mountain range more than 40,000 miles long.

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Earth's crust and upper mantle are divided into massive plates that grind against each other in slow motion. As these plates collide, tear apart, or slide past each other, they give rise to our very active geology. Earthquakes rumble as these plates snag and slip past each other. Many volcanoes form as seafloor crust smashes into and slides beneath continental crust. When plates of continental crust collide, mountain ranges such as the Himalaya are pushed toward the skies.

Protective fields and gases

Earth's atmosphere is 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and one percent other gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and argon. Much like a greenhouse, this blanket of gases absorbs and retains heat. On average, Earth's surface temperature is about 57 degrees Fahrenheit; without our atmosphere, it'd be zero degrees . In the last two centuries, humans have added enough greenhouse gases to the atmosphere to raise Earth's average temperature by 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit . This extra heat has altered Earth's weather patterns in many ways .

The atmosphere not only nourishes life on Earth, but it also protects it: It's thick enough that many meteorites burn up before impact from friction, and its gases—such as ozone—block DNA-damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the surface. But for all that our atmosphere does, it's surprisingly thin. Ninety percent of Earth's atmosphere lies within just 10 miles of the planet's surface .

The silhouette of a woman is seen on a Norwegian island beneath the Northern Lights ( aurora borealis ).

We also enjoy protection from Earth's magnetic field, generated by our planet's rotation and its iron-nickel core. This teardrop-shaped field shields Earth from high-energy particles launched at us from the sun and elsewhere in the cosmos. But due to the field's structure, some particles get funneled to Earth's Poles and collide with our atmosphere, yielding aurorae, the natural fireworks show known by some as the northern lights.

Spaceship Earth

Earth is the planet we have the best opportunity to understand in detail—helping us see how other rocky planets behave, even those orbiting distant stars. As a result, scientists are increasingly monitoring Earth from space. NASA alone has dozens of missions dedicated to solving our planet's mysteries.

At the same time, telescopes are gazing outward to find other Earths. Thanks to instruments such as NASA's Kepler Space Telescope, astronomers have found more than 3,800 planets orbiting other stars, some of which are about the size of Earth , and a handful of which orbit in the zones around their stars that are just the right temperature to be potentially habitable. Other missions, such as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, are poised to find even more.

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Essay on Save Earth: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Nov 11, 2023

There is a popular saying that goes, ’You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Well, then why harm the planet that is providing for you?’ We all should know that our planet Earth is the only planet where life can exist. Our planet provides us with basic necessities such as water, air, food to eat, and much more. So if you want to save our planet Earth for yourself and for the coming future generations then do give this blog a read. Today we will be talking about how you can save your planet Earth by taking all the required measures. We have also listed some sample essay on Save Earth which will help you to talk about the same in public. 

Table of Contents

• 1 Why is Saving Earth so Important?
• 2 Essay on Save Earth in 100 Words
• 3 Essay on Save Earth in 150 Words
• 4 Essay on Save Earth in 200 Words

Why is Saving Earth so Important?

Our planet Earth is the only planet that provides us with raw materials, oxygen, food which we need for fuel, and other essential materials.  

There are a number of reasons why saving the Earth is so important:

• Our Earth is the only planet that supports life. Despite signs of organic molecules and water on other planets and moons, life is only known to exist on Earth. There would be nowhere else for us to go if not Earth.
• Our Earth provides us with basic necessities such as medicine, food, clean water, and air to breathe. 
• The combustion of fossil fuels releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which traps heat and warms the earth. Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and more extreme weather events are just a few of the negative effects of climate change that are already being felt.

Also Read: Essay on Social Issues

Essay on Save Earth in 100 Words

The only planet in the cosmos that is known to sustain life is Earth. Since it is our home, we must take care of it.

There are numerous reasons why protecting the planet is crucial. To begin with, it is our only place of residence. There won’t be somewhere else for us to go if we destroy Earth. Second, Earth gives us food, water, air, and shelter—everything we require to survive. Third, a wide variety of biodiversity exists on Earth, which is vital to human health.

Unfortunately, the health of Earth is being threatened by human activity. Among the difficulties we confront are deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

To save the Earth, we can all do our part. Here are some actions you may take:

• Cut back on the use of fossil fuels. Make more of an effort to walk or bike, drive less, and take public transit wherever you can.
• Make the switch to alternative energy sources like wind and solar energy.
• At home, use less energy and water.
• Reduce trash via composting and recycling.
• Encourage companies and groups that are engaged in environmental protection.

Both our own life and the survival of future generations depend on saving the planet. We can contribute to ensuring that our planet is healthy and habitable for many years to come by acting now.

Also Read: Essay on Save Environment: Samples in 100, 200, 300 Words

Essay on Save Earth in 150 Words

Since the Earth is our home, it is up to us to preserve it. However, the health of the planet is in danger due to human activity. Among the difficulties we confront are deforestation, pollution, and climate change.

The most important environmental issue of our day is climate change. Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, which causes the earth to warm. Among the detrimental repercussions of climate change that are already being felt are rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and an increase in extreme weather occurrences.

Pollution poses a serious threat to Earth as well. Among the materials we use to damage the air, water, and land are chemicals, plastics, and trash. Not only can pollution harm humans and wildlife, but it can also ruin ecosystems.

Deforestation is another issue. In this, the trees are removed and instead, buildings are constructed.  Forests filter water in addition to providing habitat for species and regulating the climate. Deforestation is one of the primary causes of both climate change and biodiversity loss.

We must take action to safeguard Earth from these threats. We can potentially reduce our carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy sources and consuming less energy. We can also reduce pollution by using less plastic, recycling, and composting. We can also safeguard forests by planting trees and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Preserving the planet is essential for our own existence as well as that of future generations. To keep our world safe, each of us has a responsibility.

Also Read: Essay on Unity in Diversity in 100 to 200 Words

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Essay on Save Earth in 200 Words

The only planet in the solar system where humanity can survive is Earth. Since our planet gives us access to fundamental essentials like clean water, fresh air, and food to eat, it is our duty as humans to make sure that it is habitable for future generations.

We can see that, among all the urgent problems, one of the most significant ones that affect humanity is climate change. Among the detrimental repercussions of climate change that are already being felt are rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and an increase in extreme weather occurrences.

Pollution is another major problem. The majority of the materials that are key to pollution of the air, water, and land are harmful chemicals, plastics that are carelessly thrown away, and other materials. This is not only harmful to humans and wildlife but also to the environment. 

Deforestation is the third main issue; it is the removal of trees for construction or other purposes, like agriculture. One of the main contributors to both climate change and biodiversity loss is deforestation. Consequently, we need to act to defend Earth from these dangers. 

We hope this essay on Save Earth helped you with some knowledge of some of the pressing issues we face on a daily basis and what we can do to save our planet. 

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We can conserve the globe by avoiding contamination of the Earth and its natural resources, including the air and water.

Reducing carbon emissions is the first step towards saving our planet. This can be done by using environmentally friendly resources, conserving water and following the Reduce, Reuse and Recycling practices.

Clearing forest areas for agricultural, human settlement or any other commercial activities is known as deforestation.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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217 Awesome Earth Science Topics For All Your Essay Needs

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the captivating realm of Earth science? Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration or striving to improve your essay writing skills, this blog post is your ultimate guide. We’ve curated a list of 217 free Earth science topics that will spark your curiosity.

Additionally, we’ll share valuable tips to help you craft stellar essays and research papers that impress your professors. So, grab your pen and let’s dive into the fascinating world of Earth science exploration and effective academic writing!

Let’s Talk About Earth Science Papers

Earth science is a broad scientific discipline that focuses on understanding the Earth’s physical processes, its history and its place within the larger universe. It encompasses various fields of study, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy, among others.

A good Earth science essay should effectively convey knowledge and understanding of the subject matter while engaging the reader. Here are some key elements that can contribute to a strong Earth science essay:

• Clear and coherent structure. The essay should have a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that present and develop ideas, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points.
• Well-defined thesis statement. The essay should have a central thesis statement that clearly states the main argument or purpose of the essay.
• Accurate and relevant information. The essay should demonstrate a solid understanding of Earth science concepts and incorporate accurate and up-to-date information.
• Critical analysis and interpretation. A good Earth science essay goes beyond presenting information and includes critical analysis and interpretation of the data or concepts being discussed.
• Use of appropriate language. Use clear, concise, and precise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.
• Visual aids and examples. Utilize visuals, such as diagrams, graphs, or images, to enhance the understanding of complex concepts or data.
• Proper referencing and citations. Give credit to the sources of information used in your essay by citing them properly. Follow a recognized citation style, such as APA, MLA or Chicago.
• Engaging and concise writing style. Keep your writing engaging and concise. Use active voice, varied sentence structures, and avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Proofreading and editing. Before submitting your essay, carefully proofread it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Also check the overall coherence and flow of ideas.

However, one of the key elements of a great Earth science paper is its topic. A great topic can earn you bonus points from your professor. The good news is that you don’t have to waste any time searching for original topic ideas because we have a comprehensive Earth science topics list for you right here:

Interesting Earth Science Topics

Explore captivating subjects like plate tectonics, volcanoes, and the effects of climate change on ecosystems in our curated list of interesting Earth science topics:

• Plate tectonics: Unveiling the dynamic forces shaping Earth’s crust.
• Climate change impacts: Exploring the effects on ecosystems.
• Volcanic eruptions: Unraveling the mysteries of volcanic activity.
• Weather forecasting: The science behind it.
• Renewable energy sources: Examining sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Soil erosion: Investigating the causes and impacts on agricultural productivity.
• Geologic hazards: Earthquakes, landslides and their potential dangers.
• Ocean acidification: Consequences of carbon dioxide absorption by oceans.
• Sustainable water management: Balancing human needs with freshwater resources.
• Geological time scale: Unlocking the timeline of Earth’s ancient history.
• Space exploration: Discovering new frontiers beyond our planet.

Earth Science Essay Topics

Craft an engaging essay by choosing from a variety of Earth science essay topics such as the formation of mountains, the impact of erosion or the role of water in shaping Earth’s surface:

• The impact of climate change on coastal erosion and landforms.
• The role of plate tectonics in shaping Earth’s geology.
• The process of weathering and its effects on rock formations.
• Exploring the causes and consequences of volcanic eruptions.
• The significance of water cycles in sustaining life on Earth.
• Understanding the formation and characteristics of different soil types.
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Examining the formation and properties of different types of rocks.
• The role of glaciers in shaping landscapes and contributing to sea-level rise.
• Exploring the causes and consequences of Earthquakes and tsunamis.
• The importance of the ozone layer in protecting Earth from harmful UV radiation.
• Investigating the process of fossilization.

Earth Science Persuasive Essay Topics

Make a compelling argument in your essay by selecting one of our awesome Earth science persuasive essay topics. Take your pick now:

• The urgency of addressing climate change: A call to action.
• Renewable energy sources: The key to a sustainable future.
• The devastating impacts of deforestation: Time to save our forests.
• Ocean acidification: A silent threat to marine life and ecosystems.
• The importance of conserving water: Preserving our most precious resource.
• The alarming rise of plastic pollution: Urgent steps for a cleaner planet.
• The role of geothermal energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The significance of biodiversity conservation: Protecting Earth’s web of life.
• Fracking: Balancing energy needs and environmental concerns.
• The impact of air pollution on human health: Time for clean air initiatives.
• Overpopulation: Sustainable solutions for a crowded planet.
• The role of sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate change.

Meteorology Topic Ideas

Dive into captivating meteorology topics such as the causes and consequences of severe weather events with our unique meteorology topic ideas:

• The impact of El Niño on global weather patterns.
• Exploring the formation and characteristics of supercell thunderstorms.
• The role of atmospheric pressure in predicting weather changes.
• Understanding the mechanisms behind hurricane intensification.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on precipitation patterns.
• Analyzing the relationship between air pollution and weather conditions.
• Examining the factors influencing tornado formation and path prediction.
• The significance of cloud types in forecasting severe weather events.
• The role of jet streams in shaping weather patterns across regions.
• Exploring the impact of topography on local microclimates.
• Investigating the link between solar activity and Earth’s climate variability.

Easy Topics In Earth Science

Explore the basics of Earth science with easy topics covering rock types, the water cycle, or different soil characteristics with our list of easy topics in Earth science:

• The formation and types of rocks found on Earth.
• Exploring the water cycle and its importance in Earth’s ecosystems.
• Understanding the movement of Earth’s continents.
• The role of volcanoes in releasing gases.
• Investigating the causes and effects of Earthquakes.
• Exploring the different types and properties of soil on Earth.
• Examining the impact of erosion on landforms and ecosystems.
• The significance of fossils in understanding Earth’s history and evolution.
• Understanding the formation and features karst landscapes.
• Exploring the importance of biodiversity in maintaining Earth’s ecosystems.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on Earth’s polar regions.
• The role of glaciers in shaping landforms and contributing to sea-level rise.
• Understanding the processes of weathering.

Soil Science Topic Ideas

Investigate the role of soil in agriculture, the effects of erosion on ecosystems, or the impact of soil pollution on human health with our original soil science topic ideas:

• Soil erosion: Causes, impacts, and prevention measures.
• Nutrient cycling in agricultural soils: Processes and management strategies.
• Soil pollution: Sources, effects, and remediation techniques.
• Soil pH and its influence on plant growth.
• Soil compaction: Implications for agriculture and remedial practices.
• Organic matter content in soil: Sustainable management practices.
• Soil microbiology: Role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling and soil health.
• Soil fertility management: Enhancing nutrient availability for crop production.
• Soil moisture retention and its impact on plant water uptake.
• Soil classification systems: Understanding soil types and their characteristics.
• Soil remediation techniques for contaminated urban environments.
• Soil carbon sequestration: Strategies for mitigating climate change.

Controversial Topics About Earth

Engage in debates surrounding controversial Earth science topics like fracking or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Choose one of these exceptional controversial topics about Earth:

• Climate change: Causes, extent and human contribution.
• Fracking: Environmental impacts and potential risks.
• Genetically modified organisms in agriculture: Safety concerns.
• Deforestation: Balancing economic development and environmental conservation.
• Nuclear energy: Benefits, risks and the future of nuclear power.
• Animal agriculture and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
• Plastic waste and its effects on marine ecosystems.
• Vaccination versus vaccine hesitancy: Individual rights and societal impact.
• Geoengineering: Manipulating the Earth’s climate as a solution to global warming.
• Overpopulation: Resource depletion, environmental strain and ethical dilemmas.
• Electric vehicles and the future of transportation: Environmental benefits.

Environmental Science Research Topics

Conduct impactful research on environmental science by choosing one of our brand new environmental science research topics. Get bonus points on your paper:

• Impact of deforestation on local biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Assessing the effectiveness of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions.
• The role of microplastics in contaminating marine food webs.
• Investigating the effects of air pollution on human health in urban areas.
• Examining the relationship between climate change and agricultural productivity.
• Assessing the sustainability of current water management practices in arid regions.
• Evaluating the impact of industrial waste on soil quality.
• Investigating the potential of biofuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
• Exploring the effects of ocean acidification on coral reef ecosystems.
• Assessing the ecological implications of invasive species in natural habitats.
• Investigating the link between deforestation and climate change feedback mechanisms.
• Examining the effectiveness of conservation strategies for endangered species.

Earth Science Topics For High School

Impress your teachers and peers by writing a paper on one of our Earth science topics for high school. Yes, all of these are tailored specifically for high school learners:

• The formation and characteristics of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions.
• Investigate the processes of erosion and its impact on landforms.
• Understanding the causes and effects of Earthquakes and seismic activity.
• Explore the dynamics of glaciers and their role in shaping landscapes.
• Investigate the processes involved in the formation of different types of rocks.
• Understanding the composition and layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Explore the formation and features of different types of caves.
• Investigate the causes and impacts of coastal erosion.
• Understanding the formation and characteristics of different types of soils.
• Explore the role of plate tectonics in shaping Earth’s continents.
• Investigate the impact of human activities on the Earth’s environment.

Astronomy Topic Ideas

Embark on a cosmic journey with captivating astronomy topics, exploring the formation of stars and galaxies, exoplanets or the history of space exploration with one of these awesome astronomy topic ideas:

• The life cycle and evolution of stars in the universe.
• Investigate the properties and formation of exoplanets.
• Explore the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
• Study the cosmic microwave background radiation and its implications.
• Investigate the existence and nature of black holes.
• Understanding the formation and dynamics of galaxies.
• Explore the origins and composition of the Solar System.
• Investigate the potential for life on other planets and moons.
• Study the properties and behavior of supernovae.
• Understanding the structure and evolution of the universe.
• Explore the phenomenon of gravitational waves and their detection.
• Investigate the nature and properties of quasars and active galactic nuclei.
• Study the relationship between cosmic rays and high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

Earth And Space Science Topics

Uncover the interconnections between Earth and the cosmos with one of our interesting Earth and space science topics. All of these topics are 100% free for your use:

• Investigating the impact of space weather on Earth’s magnetic field.
• Exploring the formation and characteristics of impact craters.
• Understanding the processes associated with satellite collisions.
• Investigating the geologic history of other planets and moons.
• Exploring the role of water on Mars and the potential for past or present life.
• Understanding the interactions between Earth’s atmosphere and space weather events.
• Investigating the potential for asteroid mining.
• Exploring the formation and evolution of planetary systems beyond our own.
• Investigating the impact of coronal mass ejections on Earth’s climate.
• Understanding the role of gravitational forces in shaping celestial bodies.
• Exploring the potential for human colonization of other planets.

Geology Topic Ideas

UnEarth the wonders of geology with topics covering mountain formation, erosion processes, or the geological history of specific regions. Choose one of our geology topic ideas:

• Plate tectonics: The Earth’s shifting puzzle pieces.
• Volcanic eruptions: Unleashing the fury from deep within.
• Geological time scale: Unraveling Earth’s ancient history.
• Rock formations: Sculptures of nature’s geological artistry.
• Fossil record: Clues to life’s past hidden in stone.
• Earthquakes: Tremors that shape the planet’s surface.
• Geothermal energy: Harnessing the Earth’s internal heat.
• Mineralogy: Investigating the building blocks of rocks.
• Sedimentary processes: Layers of Earth’s time-stamped stories.
• Geomorphology: Shaping landforms through natural forces.
• Geological hazards: Understanding and mitigating natural risks.
• Glacial erosion: Carving landscapes with icy precision.

Earth And Environmental Science Topics

Explore the intersection of Earth science and environmental issues with one of these unique Earth and environmental science topics. All our topics should be perfect for 2023:

• Climate change: Understanding the global warming phenomenon.
• Renewable energy: Harnessing sustainable power sources for the future.
• Biodiversity loss: Investigating the decline of Earth’s species.
• Water pollution: Examining the impacts of contaminated water sources.
• Deforestation: Uncovering the consequences of widespread tree removal.
• Ocean acidification: Exploring the effects of carbon dioxide on marine ecosystems.
• Environmental policy: Analyzing the role of legislation in protecting the planet.
• Soil degradation: Assessing the depletion of nutrient-rich soils.
• Air pollution: Investigating the impacts of pollutants on human health.
• Sustainable development: Balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

Fun Earth Science Topics

Pick one of our fun Earth science topics and start writing your essay in minutes. All of these topic ideas are 100% original and are guaranteed to get you a top grade:

• The wonders of weather: Exploring meteorological phenomena.
• Rocks and minerals: Unveiling the secrets beneath our feet.
• Volcanoes: Nature’s fiery spectacles and their impact.
• The water cycle: From raindrops to oceans and back.
• Ecosystems: Delving into the intricate web of life.
• Plate tectonics: How Earth’s puzzle pieces shape our world.
• Climate change: Unraveling the causes and consequences.
• The power of Earthquakes: Shaking things up with seismic energy.
• The role of glaciers: Carving landscapes and shaping history.
• Fossils: Unlocking ancient mysteries of life on Earth.
• Oceans: Discovering the vast realms beneath the waves.
• The delicate balance of ecosystems: Exploring interconnections.
• Space weather: Studying the Sun’s influence on our planet.

Earth Science Topics To Write About In 2023

Stay up to date with current advancements in Earth science by focusing on topics relevant to 2023. In fact, we have a whole list of Earth science topics to write about in 2023:

• The impact of climate change on coastal erosion patterns
• Emerging technologies for sustainable energy generation and storage
• Advances in predicting and mitigating natural disasters
• Ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems
• Exploring the role of geothermal energy in a carbon-neutral future
• Unraveling the mysteries of Earth’s magnetic field reversals
• Investigating the link between air pollution and human health
• Assessing the long-term impacts of deforestation on climate change
• The role of volcanic activity in climate patterns and atmospheric chemistry
• Understanding the interactions between land, water, and atmosphere
• Analyzing the impacts of urbanization on local climate and biodiversity

Oceanography Topic Ideas

Dive into the depths of oceanography with captivating topics exploring marine ecosystems, climate change impacts on coral reefs, or ocean currents and tides. Here are some great oceanography topic ideas:

• The impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems.
• Explore deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their unique organisms.
• Understanding the role of ocean currents in climate regulation.
• The effects of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity.
• Investigate the causes and consequences of coral bleaching.
• Explore the mysterious world of bioluminescence in the ocean.
• Examine the influence of tides on coastal erosion and deposition.
• The role of upwelling in nutrient distribution and marine productivity.
• Investigate the formation and characteristics of ocean gyres.
• Understanding the impact of overfishing on marine food webs.
• Explore the ecological significance of marine protected areas.
• Investigate the link between climate change and ocean circulation.

Engaging Earth Science Topic Ideas

Capture your readers’ attention with engaging topics and write the best essay in your class. Here is a list of brand new and engaging Earth science topic ideas:

• Exploring the mysteries of deep-sea ecosystems.
• Unveiling the forces behind volcanic eruptions.
• The role of climate change in the decline of coral reefs.
• Unraveling the geological history of the Grand Canyon.
• How plate tectonics shape our planet’s surface.
• Investigating the fascinating world of weather patterns.
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity.
• Understanding the formation of groundwater resources.
• Uncovering the secrets of ancient fossils.
• The science of Earthquakes: mitigating their effects.
• Exploring the consequences of natural disasters.
• The fragile beauty of glaciers.
• Investigating the potential hazards of asteroid impacts on Earth.
• The incredible diversity of rock formations.
• Examining the impact of human activity on ecological systems.

Informative Earth Topics For An Essay

Educate and inform your readers with topics focusing on biodiversity conservation, pollution impacts on ecosystems, or the benefits of renewable energy sources. Pick one of these informative Earth topics for an essay:

• The water cycle: How Earth’s precious resource is recycled
• Volcanoes: The fiery forces that shape the Earth’s landscape
• Coral reefs: Underwater cities of biodiversity
• Plate tectonics: Unraveling the puzzle of Earth’s shifting crust
• Weather patterns: Exploring the science behind rain, wind and storms
• Deforestation: Consequences of losing Earth’s green lungs
• Groundwater: The hidden reservoirs beneath our feet
• Fossils: Clues to the evolution of life
• Earthquakes: Causes, effects and measures for safety
• Hurricanes: The powerhouses of destructive storms
• Glaciers: Frozen giants melting away
• Asteroids: Planetary defense
• Rocks and minerals: The building blocks of Earth’s geology
• Climate change: Human influence on a changing climate
• Ecosystems: Understanding the interconnected web of life on Earth

An Essay Writing Service You Can Trust

An online essay writing service offers students a range of benefits when it comes to crafting Earth science papers. With access to a team of seasoned writers, students always receive high quality, custom written papers from our experts when they buy essay online here. Our service ensures fast turnaround times, providing timely assistance to meet strict deadlines.

Reliable customer support is available to address any inquiries or concerns along the way. By utilizing our secure online platform, students can confidently collaborate with professional writers to create papers that meet the expectations of their professors and teachers in university, college or high school. What are you waiting for? Get an A+ on your next Earth science paper!

What are key steps for writing an Earth science essay?

Research, organize your ideas, create a clear thesis, and provide evidence-based arguments. There are other steps involved, of course. Our expert English essay writing services can help you with your paper if you need assistance.

How to choose a compelling and relevant topic for an Earth science essay?

You should consider current issues, recent discoveries or ongoing research in the field. Or you can just choose one of our topics. We’re updating the list regularly.

How important is proper citation in an Earth science essay?

It is extremely important. Proper citation adds credibility, acknowledges sources and allows verification. Without it, you will get penalized.

What are some strategies for presenting complex concepts in an Earth science essay?

Use clear language, provide examples, make effective use of visuals, and structure your essay logically. Also, don’t forget to take into account the expertise of your audience.

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National Academy of Sciences (US). Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences: Second Edition. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999.

Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences: Second Edition.

• Hardcopy Version at National Academies Press

The Origin of the Universe, Earth, and Life

The term "evolution" usually refers to the biological evolution of living things. But the processes by which planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe form and change over time are also types of "evolution." In all of these cases there is change over time, although the processes involved are quite different.

In the late 1920s the American astronomer Edwin Hubble made a very interesting and important discovery. Hubble made observations that he interpreted as showing that distant stars and galaxies are receding from Earth in every direction. Moreover, the velocities of recession increase in proportion with distance, a discovery that has been confirmed by numerous and repeated measurements since Hubble's time. The implication of these findings is that the universe is expanding.

Hubble's hypothesis of an expanding universe leads to certain deductions. One is that the universe was more condensed at a previous time. From this deduction came the suggestion that all the currently observed matter and energy in the universe were initially condensed in a very small and infinitely hot mass. A huge explosion, known as the Big Bang, then sent matter and energy expanding in all directions.

This Big Bang hypothesis led to more testable deductions. One such deduction was that the temperature in deep space today should be several degrees above absolute zero. Observations showed this deduction to be correct. In fact, the Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer (COBE) satellite launched in 1991 confirmed that the background radiation field has exactly the spectrum predicted by a Big Bang origin for the universe.

As the universe expanded, according to current scientific understanding, matter collected into clouds that began to condense and rotate, forming the forerunners of galaxies. Within galaxies, including our own Milky Way galaxy, changes in pressure caused gas and dust to form distinct clouds. In some of these clouds, where there was sufficient mass and the right forces, gravitational attraction caused the cloud to collapse. If the mass of material in the cloud was sufficiently compressed, nuclear reactions began and a star was born.

Some proportion of stars, including our sun, formed in the middle of a flattened spinning disk of material. In the case of our sun, the gas and dust within this disk collided and aggregated into small grains, and the grains formed into larger bodies called planetesimals ("very small planets"), some of which reached diameters of several hundred kilometers. In successive stages these planetesimals coalesced into the nine planets and their numerous satellites. The rocky planets, including Earth, were near the sun, and the gaseous planets were in more distant orbits.

The ages of the universe, our galaxy, the solar system, and Earth can be estimated using modem scientific methods. The age of the universe can be derived from the observed relationship between the velocities of and the distances separating the galaxies. The velocities of distant galaxies can be measured very accurately, but the measurement of distances is more uncertain. Over the past few decades, measurements of the Hubble expansion have led to estimated ages for the universe of between 7 billion and 20 billion years, with the most recent and best measurements within the range of 10 billion to 15 billion years.

A disk of dust and gas, appearing as a dark band in this Hubble Space Telescope photograph, bisects a glowing nebula around a very young star in the constellation Taurus. Similar disks can be seen around other nearby stars and are thought to provide the (more...)

The age of the Milky Way galaxy has been calculated in two ways. One involves studying the observed stages of evolution of different-sized stars in globular clusters. Globular clusters occur in a faint halo surrounding the center of the Galaxy, with each cluster containing from a hundred thousand to a million stars. The very low amounts of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium in these stars indicate that they must have formed early in the history of the Galaxy, before large amounts of heavy elements were created inside the initial generations of stars and later distributed into the interstellar medium through supernova explosions (the Big Bang itself created primarily hydrogen and helium atoms). Estimates of the ages of the stars in globular clusters fall within the range of 11 billion to 16 billion years.

A second method for estimating the age of our galaxy is based on the present abundances of several long-lived radioactive elements in the solar system. Their abundances are set by their rates of production and distribution through exploding supernovas. According to these calculations, the age of our galaxy is between 9 billion and 16 billion years. Thus, both ways of estimating the age of the Milky Way galaxy agree with each other, and they also are consistent with the independently derived estimate for the age of the universe.

Radioactive elements occurring naturally in rocks and minerals also provide a means of estimating the age of the solar system and Earth. Several of these elements decay with half lives between 700 million and more than 100 billion years (the half life of an element is the time it takes for half of the element to decay radioactively into another element). Using these time-keepers, it is calculated that meteorites, which are fragments of asteroids, formed between 4.53 billion and 4.58 billion years ago (asteroids are small "planetoids" that revolve around the sun and are remnants of the solar nebula that gave rise to the sun and planets). The same radioactive time-keepers applied to the three oldest lunar samples returned to Earth by the Apollo astronauts yield ages between 4.4 billion and 4.5 billion years, providing minimum estimates for the time since the formation of the moon.

The oldest known rocks on Earth occur in northwestern Canada (3.96 billion years), but well-studied rocks nearly as old are also found in other parts of the world. In Western Australia, zircon crystals encased within younger rocks have ages as old as 4.3 billion years, making these tiny crystals the oldest materials so far found on Earth.

The best estimates of Earth's age are obtained by calculating the time required for development of the observed lead isotopes in Earth's oldest lead ores. These estimates yield 4.54 billion years as the age of Earth and of meteorites, and hence of the solar system.

The origins of life cannot be dated as precisely, but there is evidence that bacteria-like organisms lived on Earth 3.5 billion years ago, and they may have existed even earlier, when the first solid crust formed, almost 4 billion years ago. These early organisms must have been simpler than the organisms living today. Furthermore, before the earliest organisms there must have been structures that one would not call "alive" but that are now components of living things. Today, all living organisms store and transmit hereditary information using two kinds of molecules: DNA and RNA. Each of these molecules is in turn composed of four kinds of subunits known as nucleotides. The sequences of nucleotides in particular lengths of DNA or RNA, known as genes, direct the construction of molecules known as proteins, which in turn catalyze biochemical reactions, provide structural components for organisms, and perform many of the other functions on which life depends. Proteins consist of chains of subunits known as amino acids. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA therefore determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins; this is a central mechanism in all of biology.

Experiments conducted under conditions intended to resemble those present on primitive Earth have resulted in the production of some of the chemical components of proteins, DNA, and RNA. Some of these molecules also have been detected in meteorites from outer space and in interstellar space by astronomers using radio-telescopes. Scientists have concluded that the "building blocks of life" could have been available early in Earth's history.

An important new research avenue has opened with the discovery that certain molecules made of RNA, called ribozymes, can act as catalysts in modem cells. It previously had been thought that only proteins could serve as the catalysts required to carry out specific biochemical functions. Thus, in the early prebiotic world, RNA molecules could have been "autocatalytic"—that is, they could have replicated themselves well before there were any protein catalysts (called enzymes).

Laboratory experiments demonstrate that replicating autocatalytic RNA molecules undergo spontaneous changes and that the variants of RNA molecules with the greatest autocatalytic activity come to prevail in their environments. Some scientists favor the hypothesis that there was an early "RNA world," and they are testing models that lead from RNA to the synthesis of simple DNA and protein molecules. These assemblages of molecules eventually could have become packaged within membranes, thus making up "protocells"—early versions of very simple cells.

For those who are studying the origin of life, the question is no longer whether life could have originated by chemical processes involving nonbiological components. The question instead has become which of many pathways might have been followed to produce the first cells.

Will we ever be able to identify the path of chemical evolution that succeeded in initiating life on Earth? Scientists are designing experiments and speculating about how early Earth could have provided a hospitable site for the segregation of molecules in units that might have been the first living systems. The recent speculation includes the possibility that the first living cells might have arisen on Mars, seeding Earth via the many meteorites that are known to travel from Mars to our planet.

Of course, even if a living cell were to be made in the laboratory, it would not prove that nature followed the same pathway billions of years ago. But it is the job of science to provide plausible natural explanations for natural phenomena. The study of the origin of life is a very active research area in which important progress is being made, although the consensus among scientists is that none of the current hypotheses has thus far been confirmed. The history of science shows that seemingly intractable problems like this one may become amenable to solution later, as a result of advances in theory, instrumentation, or the discovery of new facts.

Creationist Views of the Origin of the Universe, Earth, and Life

Many religious persons, including many scientists, hold that God created the universe and the various processes driving physical and biological evolution and that these processes then resulted in the creation of galaxies, our solar system, and life on Earth. This belief, which sometimes is termed "theistic evolution," is not in disagreement with scientific explanations of evolution. Indeed, it reflects the remarkable and inspiring character of the physical universe revealed by cosmology, paleontology, molecular biology, and many other scientific disciplines.

The advocates of "creation science" hold a variety of viewpoints. Some claim that Earth and the universe are relatively young, perhaps only 6,000 to 10,000 years old. These individuals often believe that the present physical form of Earth can be explained by "catastrophism," including a worldwide flood, and that all living things (including humans) were created miraculously, essentially in the forms we now find them.

Other advocates of creation science are willing to accept that Earth, the planets, and the stars may have existed for millions of years. But they argue that the various types of organisms, and especially humans, could only have come about with supernatural intervention, because they show "intelligent design."

In this booklet, both these "Young Earth" and "Old Earth" views are referred to as "creationism" or "special creation."

There are no valid scientific data or calculations to substantiate the belief that Earth was created just a few thousand years ago. This document has summarized the vast amount of evidence for the great age of the universe, our galaxy, the solar system, and Earth from astronomy, astrophysics, nuclear physics, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Independent scientific methods consistently give an age for Earth and the solar system of about 5 billion years, and an age for our galaxy and the universe that is two to three times greater. These conclusions make the origin of the universe as a whole intelligible, lend coherence to many different branches of science, and form the core conclusions of a remarkable body of knowledge about the origins and behavior of the physical world.

Nor is there any evidence that the entire geological record, with its orderly succession of fossils, is the product of a single universal flood that occurred a few thousand years ago, lasted a little longer than a year, and covered the highest mountains to a depth of several meters. On the contrary, intertidal and terrestrial deposits demonstrate that at no recorded time in the past has the entire planet been under water. Moreover, a universal flood of sufficient magnitude to form the sedimentary rocks seen today, which together are many kilometers thick, would require a volume of water far greater than has ever existed on and in Earth, at least since the formation of the first known solid crust about 4 billion years ago. The belief that Earth's sediments, with their fossils, were deposited in an orderly sequence in a year's time defies all geological observations and physical principles concerning sedimentation rates and possible quantities of suspended solid matter.

Geologists have constructed a detailed history of sediment deposition that links particular bodies of rock in the crust of Earth to particular environments and processes. If petroleum geologists could find more oil and gas by interpreting the record of sedimentary rocks as having resulted from a single flood, they would certainly favor the idea of such a flood, but they do not. Instead, these practical workers agree with academic geologists about the nature of depositional environments and geological time. Petroleum geologists have been pioneers in the recognition of fossil deposits that were formed over millions of years in such environments as meandering rivers, deltas, sandy barrier beaches, and coral reefs.

The example of petroleum geology demonstrates one of the great strengths of science. By using knowledge of the natural world to predict the consequences of our actions, science makes it possible to solve problems and create opportunities using technology. The detailed knowledge required to sustain our civilization could only have been derived through scientific investigation.

The arguments of creationists are not driven by evidence that can be observed in the natural world. Special creation or supernatural intervention is not subjectable to meaningful tests, which require predicting plausible results and then checking these results through observation and experimentation. Indeed, claims of "special creation" reverse the scientific process. The explanation is seen as unalterable, and evidence is sought only to support a particular conclusion by whatever means possible.

• Cite this Page National Academy of Sciences (US). Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences: Second Edition. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. The Origin of the Universe, Earth, and Life.
• PDF version of this title (638K)

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Book Review: The Intricate Connections Between Humans and Nature

In peter godfrey-smith’s “living on earth,” humans are in no way separate from the life that surrounds us..

Visual: Sally Anscombe/Stone via Getty Images

P eter Godfrey-Smith does not use the word miracle in the title of his ambitious new book, “ Living on Earth: Forest, Corals, Consciousness and the Making of the World ,” but there is scarcely a page that does not recount one. His subject is the astounding creativity of life, not just to evolve ever-new forms, but to continually remake the planet that hosts it.

Godfrey-Smith, a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney, moves dizzyingly from the latest developments in neurology to the nature of human language and of consciousness itself. The core story traces life’s epic journey from cyanobacteria, which were amongst the first photosynthesizing plants, to increasingly complex multicellular plants, which contributed to creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere, which in turn paved the way for the evolution of oxygen breathing animals like ourselves.

BOOK REVIEW — “Living on Earth: Forests, Corals, Consciousness, and the Making of the World,” by Peter Godfrey-Smith (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 336 pages).

It is “a history of organisms as causes, rather than evolutionary products,” he writes, presenting “a dynamic picture of the Earth, a picture of an Earth continually changing because of what living things do.”

Homo sapiens , relative latecomers to life’s party, are only the latest in a long line of species that have cleverly engineered the environment to meet their own needs. Think coral-building polyps, photosynthesizing plants, and soil-stabilizing trees. The ratios of gases in the atmosphere, global weather patterns, the very forms of the landscapes that surround us, are all transformed by life and transform life in a never-ending cycle.

Moreover, thanks to photosynthesizing plants, “the sheer amount of energy present on a living planet is greater than on a dead one, as energy has been converted and held,” he writes. “This feeds not only living activity, but geological cycles and processes as well. Life starts storing the sun and everything is affected.”

Godfrey-Smith tells us that this energy is both a blessing and a curse. Thanks to the propulsive power of the accumulated dead bodies of ancient plants and animals in the form of fossil fuels, the life that Earth spawned now ventures into outer space. But the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that results from burning of fossil fuels is altering our climate and threatening Earth’s ecology.

Godfrey-Smith presents “a dynamic picture of the Earth, an Earth continually changing because of what living things do.”

For these profound changes in the biosphere, we have consciousness to thank. “Minds are agents of transformation,” according to Godfrey-Smith. What sets humans apart from other species (who are also sentient and capable of “felt experience”) is that we have used consciousness to master advanced technologies, elaborate languages, and complex cultures, which enable us to be active designers of our own futures and the future of the planet.

But humans are not the only ones to transform the world around them. In some of the most memorable passages, Godfrey-Smith, a scuba diver and the author of the 2016 bestseller “ Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness, ” writes about how life in the oceans continually engineers its own environment.

We read of the undersea limestone towers called stromatolites (comparable to coral reefs) minutely cobbled together by cyanobacteria to house themselves. Shrimp-like creatures called amphipods build masts on which they perch to reach for food, we are told. Octopuses dolphins, and other sea creatures devise tools out of the raw materials around them.

The book recounts the familiar story of how life moved from the evolution of simple plants in the ocean to complex plants on land to birds, mammals, and finally humans. Later chapters tell how humans have paved over wild habitats, altered the weather, and lorded over our fellow species on factory farms — behavior that imperils the “creative engine” of life on Earth, as he puts it.

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“Too much of the world, it seems, has come under human influence during a time when we’re not very good at working out how to exercise this power,” Godfrey-Smith observes. “The portion of Earth occupied by wild nature, its place in the whole, shrinks and recedes.”

Godfrey-Smith argues that we need to preserve and restore wild nature not because it is aesthetically pleasing, and not just because it is an essential part of our own life support system — although it is certainly that. We need to preserve nature out of an ethical awareness of “our material continuity and kinship with the rest of life on Earth,” he writes.

His broader point is that “human action should not be contrasted with ‘nature,’ should not be set against it.” In a world where everything works together in concert as intricately interlinked elements in one vast whole, humans are in no way separate from the life that surrounds us. “You are a living part of a larger system,” Godfrey-Smith writes. Though in his view the Earth itself is not alive, “it is a system in which the nonliving is closely tied to the living. The Earth has been enlivened by its organisms.”

These views recall the Gaia Hypothesis proposed by chemist James Lovelock and evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis in the 1970s, which portrayed the Earth as a self-regulating, organism-like system that acts to maintain the atmospheric and climatic conditions that life needs.

“We, the world’s living agents, are  all here together , as parts of a single system .” 

While Godfrey-Smith calls the evidence for Gaia “intriguing to say the least,” he is dubious that the planet is actually a living organism, as some of its more radical proponents have claimed. He says instead that the “Earth-as-organism idea” could be viewed a “metaphor rather than a claim to be taken literally.”

But what exactly is life ? The short version, according to the author, is that living beings are discrete “pockets of order” that transmute a source of energy like the sun (plants do this directly, animals indirectly by eating plants) and possess the ability to reproduce and perpetuate their own kind. Still, this bare description begs the question: Why did life arise in the first place?

Godfrey-Smith doesn’t speculate on this metaphysical enigma. What he does say is that the process of energy becoming organisms began on Earth some 3.7 billion years ago, roughly a quarter of the age of the universe itself. And it has been adding successive layers of complexity and sophistication ever since.

“Living on Earth” tells an important cautionary tale for the climate-change era . But the author’s cerebral detours into the minutia of abstract philosophical and scientific arguments can be tedious and hard to follow in places. Thankfully, these rough patches are redeemed (for the less analytically inclined) by a wealth of fascinating detail interspersed with passages of sheer poetry.

We read, for example, that the repetitive two- and three-note cadences of the Crimson Rosella, an Australian parrot, sound as if they are “forever auditioning for a Philip Glass opera.” The mimicry of lyrebirds is uncannily precise, almost “too ‘formal’ — like an operatic soprano too carefully singing a folk song.” The author watches cuttlefish “jetting backward like a relaxed and eccentric missile.”

“We, the world’s living agents, are all here together , as parts of a single system, ” Godfrey-Smith argues, summing up the thesis of this difficult but rewarding book. The reader is left hoping that we humans can finally come to grasp this central fact before it is too late.

Richard Schiffman is an environmental reporter and author based in New York City. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and National Geographic, among other outlets.

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Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences, Second Edition (1999)

Chapter: the origin of the universe, earth, and life, the origin of the universe, earth, and life.

The term "evolution" usually refers to the biological evolution of living things. But the processes by which planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe form and change over time are also types of "evolution." In all of these cases there is change over time, although the processes involved are quite different.

In the late 1920s the American astronomer Edwin Hubble made a very interesting and important discovery. Hubble made observations that he interpreted as showing that distant stars and galaxies are receding from Earth in every direction. Moreover, the velocities of recession increase in proportion with distance, a discovery that has been confirmed by numerous and repeated measurements since Hubble's time. The implication of these findings is that the universe is expanding.

Hubble's hypothesis of an expanding universe leads to certain deductions. One is that the universe was more condensed at a previous time. From this deduction came the suggestion that all the currently observed matter and energy in the universe were initially condensed in a very small and infinitely hot mass. A huge explosion, known as the Big Bang, then sent matter and energy expanding in all directions.

This Big Bang hypothesis led to more testable deductions. One such deduction was that the temperature in deep space today should be several degrees above absolute zero. Observations showed this deduction to be correct. In fact, the Cosmic Microwave Background Explorer (COBE) satellite launched in 1991 confirmed that the background radiation field has exactly the spectrum predicted by a Big Bang origin for the universe.

As the universe expanded, according to current scientific understanding, matter collected into clouds that began to condense and rotate, forming the forerunners of galaxies. Within galaxies, including our own Milky Way galaxy, changes in pressure caused gas and dust to form distinct clouds. In some of these clouds, where there was sufficient mass and the right forces, gravitational attraction caused the cloud to collapse. If the mass of material in the cloud was sufficiently compressed, nuclear reactions began and a star was born.

Some proportion of stars, including our sun, formed in the middle of a flattened spinning disk of material. In the case of our sun, the gas and dust within this disk collided and aggregated into small grains, and the grains formed into larger bodies called planetesimals ("very small planets"), some of which reached diameters of several hundred kilometers. In successive stages these planetesimals coalesced into the nine planets and their numerous satellites. The rocky planets, including Earth, were near the sun, and the gaseous planets were in more distant orbits.

The ages of the universe, our galaxy, the solar system, and Earth can be estimated using modem scientific methods. The age of the universe can be derived from the observed relationship between the velocities of and the distances separating the galaxies. The velocities of distant galaxies can be measured very accurately, but the measurement of distances is more uncertain. Over the past few decades, measurements of the Hubble expansion have led to estimated ages for the universe of between 7 billion and 20 billion years, with the most recent and best measurements within the range of 10 billion to 15 billion years.

A disk of dust and gas, appearing as a dark band in this Hubble Space Telescope photograph, bisects a glowing nebula around a very young star in the constellation Taurus. Similar disks can be seen around other nearby stars and are thought to provide the raw material for planets.

The age of the Milky Way galaxy has been calculated in two ways. One involves studying the observed stages of evolution of different-sized stars in globular clusters. Globular clusters occur in a faint halo surrounding the center of the Galaxy, with each cluster containing from a hundred thousand to a million stars. The very low amounts of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium in these stars indicate that they must have formed early in the history of the Galaxy, before large amounts of heavy elements were created inside the initial generations of stars and later distributed into the interstellar medium through supernova explosions (the Big Bang itself created primarily hydrogen and helium atoms). Estimates of the ages of the stars in globular clusters fall within the range of 11 billion to 16 billion years.

A second method for estimating the age of our galaxy is based on the present abundances of several long-lived radioactive elements in the solar system. Their abundances are set by their rates of production and distribution through exploding

supernovas. According to these calculations, the age of our galaxy is between 9 billion and 16 billion years. Thus, both ways of estimating the age of the Milky Way galaxy agree with each other, and they also are consistent with the independently derived estimate for the age of the universe.

Radioactive elements occurring naturally in rocks and minerals also provide a means of estimating the age of the solar system and Earth. Several of these elements decay with half lives between 700 million and more than 100 billion years (the half life of an element is the time it takes for half of the element to decay radioactively into another element). Using these time-keepers, it is calculated that meteorites, which are fragments of asteroids, formed between 4.53 billion and 4.58 billion years ago (asteroids are small "planetoids" that revolve around the sun and are remnants of the solar nebula that gave rise to the sun and planets). The same radioactive time-keepers applied to the three oldest lunar samples returned to Earth by the Apollo astronauts yield ages between 4.4 billion and 4.5 billion years, providing minimum estimates for the time since the formation of the moon.

The oldest known rocks on Earth occur in northwestern Canada (3.96 billion years), but well-studied rocks nearly as old are also found in other parts of the world. In Western Australia, zircon crystals encased within younger rocks have ages as old as 4.3 billion years, making these tiny crystals the oldest materials so far found on Earth.

The best estimates of Earth's age are obtained by calculating the time required for development of the observed lead isotopes in Earth's oldest lead ores. These estimates yield 4.54 billion years as the age of Earth and of meteorites, and hence of the solar system.

The origins of life cannot be dated as precisely, but there is evidence that bacteria-like organisms lived on Earth 3.5 billion years ago, and they may have existed even earlier, when the first solid crust formed, almost 4 billion years ago. These early organisms must have been simpler than the organisms living today. Furthermore, before the earliest organisms there must have been structures that one would not call "alive" but that are now components of living things. Today, all living organisms store and transmit hereditary information using two kinds of molecules: DNA and RNA. Each of these molecules is in turn composed of four kinds of subunits known as nucleotides. The sequences of nucleotides in particular lengths of DNA or RNA, known as genes, direct the construction of molecules known as proteins, which in turn catalyze biochemical reactions, provide structural components for organisms, and perform many of the other functions on which life depends. Proteins consist of chains of subunits known as amino acids. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA therefore determines the sequence of amino acids in proteins; this is a central mechanism in all of biology.

Experiments conducted under conditions intended to resemble those present on primitive Earth have resulted in the production of some of the chemical components of proteins, DNA, and RNA. Some of these molecules also have been detected in meteorites from outer space and in interstellar space by astronomers using radio-telescopes. Scientists have concluded that the "building blocks of life" could have been available early in Earth's history.

An important new research avenue has opened with the discovery that certain molecules made of RNA, called ribozymes, can act as catalysts in modem cells. It previously had been thought that only proteins could serve as the catalysts required to carry out specific biochemical functions. Thus, in the early prebiotic world, RNA molecules could have been "autocatalytic"—that is, they could have replicated themselves well before there were any protein catalysts (called enzymes).

Laboratory experiments demonstrate that replicating autocatalytic RNA molecules undergo spontaneous changes and that the variants of RNA molecules with the greatest autocatalytic activity come to prevail in their environments. Some scientists favor the hypothesis that there was an early "RNA world," and they are testing models that lead from RNA to the synthesis of simple DNA and protein molecules. These assemblages of molecules eventually could have become packaged within membranes, thus making up "protocells"—early versions of very simple cells.

For those who are studying the origin of life, the question is no longer whether life could have originated by chemical processes involving nonbiological components. The question instead has become which of many pathways might have been followed to produce the first cells.

Will we ever be able to identify the path of chemical evolution that succeeded in initiating life on Earth? Scientists are designing experiments and speculating about how early Earth could have provided a hospitable site for the segregation of

molecules in units that might have been the first living systems. The recent speculation includes the possibility that the first living cells might have arisen on Mars, seeding Earth via the many meteorites that are known to travel from Mars to our planet.

Of course, even if a living cell were to be made in the laboratory, it would not prove that nature followed the same pathway billions of years ago. But it is the job of science to provide plausible natural explanations for natural phenomena. The study of the origin of life is a very active research area in which important progress is being made, although the consensus among scientists is that none of the current hypotheses has thus far been confirmed. The history of science shows that seemingly intractable problems like this one may become amenable to solution later, as a result of advances in theory, instrumentation, or the discovery of new facts.

Creationist Views of the Origin of the Universe, Earth, and Life

Many religious persons, including many scientists, hold that God created the universe and the various processes driving physical and biological evolution and that these processes then resulted in the creation of galaxies, our solar system, and life on Earth. This belief, which sometimes is termed "theistic evolution," is not in disagreement with scientific explanations of evolution. Indeed, it reflects the remarkable and inspiring character of the physical universe revealed by cosmology, paleontology, molecular biology, and many other scientific disciplines.

The advocates of "creation science" hold a variety of viewpoints. Some claim that Earth and the universe are relatively young, perhaps only 6,000 to 10,000 years old. These individuals often believe that the present physical form of Earth can be explained by "catastrophism," including a worldwide flood, and that all living things (including humans) were created miraculously, essentially in the forms we now find them.

Other advocates of creation science are willing to accept that Earth, the planets, and the stars may have existed for millions of years. But they argue that the various types of organisms, and especially humans, could only have come about with supernatural intervention, because they show "intelligent design."

In this booklet, both these "Young Earth" and "Old Earth" views are referred to as "creationism" or "special creation."

There are no valid scientific data or calculations to substantiate the belief that Earth was created just a few thousand years ago. This document has summarized the vast amount of evidence for the great age of the universe, our galaxy, the solar system, and Earth from astronomy, astrophysics, nuclear physics, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Independent scientific methods consistently give an age for Earth and the solar system of about 5 billion years, and an age for our galaxy and the universe that is two to three times greater. These conclusions make the origin of the universe as a whole intelligible, lend coherence to many different branches of science, and form the core conclusions of a remarkable body of knowledge about the origins and behavior of the physical world.

Nor is there any evidence that the entire geological record, with its orderly succession of fossils, is the product of a single universal flood that occurred a few thousand years ago, lasted a little longer than a year, and covered the highest mountains to a depth of several meters. On the contrary, intertidal and terrestrial deposits demonstrate that at no recorded time in the past has the entire planet been under water. Moreover, a universal flood of sufficient magnitude to form the sedimentary rocks seen today, which together are many kilometers thick, would require a volume of water far greater than has ever existed on and in Earth, at least since the formation of the first known solid crust about 4 billion years ago. The belief that Earth's sediments, with their fossils, were deposited in an orderly sequence in a year's time defies all geological observations and physical principles concerning sedimentation rates and possible quantities of suspended solid matter.

Geologists have constructed a detailed history of sediment deposition that links particular bodies of rock in the crust of Earth to particular environments and processes. If petroleum geologists could find more oil and gas by interpreting the record of sedimentary rocks as having resulted from a single flood, they would certainly favor the idea of such a flood, but they do not. Instead, these practical workers agree with academic geologists about the nature of depositional environments and geological time. Petroleum geologists have been pioneers in the recognition of fossil deposits that were formed over millions of years in such environments as meandering rivers, deltas, sandy barrier beaches, and coral reefs.

The example of petroleum geology demonstrates one of the great strengths of science. By using knowledge of the natural world to predict the consequences of our actions, science makes it possible to solve problems and create opportunities using technology. The detailed knowledge required to sustain our civilization could only have been derived through scientific investigation.

The arguments of creationists are not driven by evidence that can be observed in the natural world. Special creation or supernatural intervention is not subjectable to meaningful tests, which require predicting plausible results and then checking these results through observation and experimentation. Indeed, claims of "special creation" reverse the scientific process. The explanation is seen as unalterable, and evidence is sought only to support a particular conclusion by whatever means possible.

While the mechanisms of evolution are still under investigation, scientists universally accept that the cosmos, our planet, and life evolved and continue to evolve. Yet the teaching of evolution to schoolchildren is still contentious.

In Science and Creationism , The National Academy of Sciences states unequivocally that creationism has no place in any science curriculum at any level.

Briefly and clearly, this booklet explores the nature of science, reviews the evidence for the origin of the universe and earth, and explains the current scientific understanding of biological evolution. This edition includes new insights from astronomy and molecular biology.

Attractive in presentation and authoritative in content, Science and Creationism will be useful to anyone concerned about America's scientific literacy: education policymakers, school boards and administrators, curriculum designers, librarians, teachers, parents, and students.

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