Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system and is the only known planet to support life. It has a diameter of about 12,742 kilometers and a mass of approximately 5.97 x 10^24 kilograms. Earth is composed of several layers, including the crust, mantle, and core.
The Earth's atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide and argon. This atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the planet's temperature and protecting it from harmful solar radiation.
The Earth's surface is covered by approximately 71% water, mostly in the form of oceans, with the remaining 29% consisting of continents and islands. The planet's surface features a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, forests, and plains.
Earth is also unique in its ability to support a wide variety of life forms, from microscopic bacteria to large mammals. The planet's biosphere includes a complex web of ecosystems that are interconnected and dependent on each other for survival.
Overall, Earth is a dynamic and ever-changing planet, with processes such as plate tectonics, erosion, and weathering constantly shaping its surface. Its physical properties and position in the solar system make it a truly remarkable and special place in the universe.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 27
Earth in Space
- Position in Solar System: Third planet from the Sun in the habitable zone - Orbit: Elliptical with a period of 365.25 days (1 year) - Distance from Sun: About 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) - Rotation: On its axis once every 23 hours and 56 minutes (1 day) - Axis Tilt: 23.5 degrees, responsible for Earth's seasons
Physical Properties
Size and Shape
- Radius: 6,371 kilometers (3,959 miles) at the equator - Diameter: 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles) - Circumference: 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles) at the equator - Oblateness: Slightly flattened at the poles, with an equatorial bulge
Mass and Density
- Mass: 5.972 x 10^24 kilograms (1.317 x 10^25 pounds) - Density: 5.514 grams per cubic centimeter
Composition
- Core: Solid inner core and liquid outer core, primarily composed of iron and nickel - Mantle: Semisolid layer that makes up about 84% of Earth's volume, composed of silicate rocks - Crust: Thin outer layer, varies in thickness from 5-70 kilometers (3-44 miles), composed of various rocks
Atmosphere
- Composition: Mainly nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases - Pressure: About 1 atmosphere at sea level - Temperature: Varies widely with altitude and location
Hydrosphere
- Oceans: Cover about 71% of Earth's surface - Freshwater: Present as rivers, lakes, glaciers, and groundwater - Total water volume: About 1.386 billion cubic kilometers (332 million cubic miles)
Biosphere
- Habitats: Diverse environments supporting a wide range of life forms - Diversity: Earth is home to an estimated 8.7 million species - Interconnections: All living organisms are connected and play roles in Earth's ecosystems