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7.9A
7.9A Earth Systems
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Atmosphere | The entire mass of air that surrounds Earth , made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and trace amounts of other gases. |
Ozone Layer | Gas in Earths atmosphere that absorbs most of the damaging high-energy UV radiation from the Sun. |
Ultraviolet Radiation | A portion of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the Sun; can cause tanning, sunburns, and skin cancers. |
Solar Winds | A continuous stream of charged particles from the Sun, with variations in the stream causing beautiful aurorae displays (northern lights) as well as geomagnetic storms that knock out power grids on Earth. |
Earth's Magnetic Field | Magnetic lines of force from Earth's polar north and south, acting like a giant magnet. |
Magnetosphere | An area that deflects and traps harmful particles; resulting from an interaction of Earth's magnetic field with solar wind (charged plasma) streaming from the Sun. |