1.a. Water and carbon support life on Earth

Why is water necessary?

• It provides a medium that allows organic molecules to mix and form more complex structures

What is the Goldilocks zone?

• Earth’s zone; at the right distance from the sun to allow the presence of liquid water

Why is water important in supporting life?

• Liquid water increases the chance of finding life forms

Why are oceans important in supporting life on the planet?

• 71% of Earth’s surface

• Benign thermal conditions are created as they absorb, store and release heat

Why are clouds important in supporting life on the planet?

• Water droplets and ice crystals

• Clouds reflect 1/5 of solar radiation and lower surface temperatures

Why is water vapour important in supporting life on the planet?

• A greenhouse gas

• Water vapour absorbs longwave radiation to maintain global temperatures almost 15°c higher

What are the uses of water for humans, flora and fauna?

• 65-95% of all living organisms

• Growth, reproduction and metabolic functions

What are the uses of water for humans?

• Economic activity

• Electricity, irrigation, recreational facilities, public demand (drinking, sewage)

• Industries

What are the uses of water for flora?

• Photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration

• Rigidity

• Mineral nutrients from the soil

What are the uses of water for fauna?

• The medium used for all chemical reactions

• Cooling processes

Why is carbon necessary?

• It provides the basis for large molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids

What are the uses of carbon for humans?

• Economic activity

• Fossil fuels, oil, agricultural crops and forest trees

What systems are the water and carbon cycle? (global)

• Closed systems

Why are the water and carbon cycle closed?

• Energy from the sun enters and leaves

• The volume of water in the cycle is the same

What systems are the water and carbon cycle? (local)

• Open systems

Why are the water and carbon cycle open? (local)

• Energy from the sun enters and leaves

• The volume of water in the cycle changes

What does the water cycle cover?

• Atmosphere, oceans, land and biosphere

How does water move between stores?

• Precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff and groundwater flow

What does the carbon cycle cover?

• Atmosphere, oceans, soil and biosphere

How does carbon move between stores?

• Photosynthesis, respiration, oxidation, and weathering