Earth-Sun Relations and Physical Processes

Pre-test

1. Which direction does the earth rotate? (East to West, or West to East?)

2. How long does it take the earth to make a full rotation?

3. How long does it take the earth to make a full revolution?

4. Why are the days longer some times of the year than others?

5. Why is it winter in the southern hemisphere right now?

The Earth rotates, or spins, from West to East and this is why we see the sun rise in the East and set in the West.

The Earth rotates, or spins, from West to East and this is why we see the sun rise in the East and set in the West.

Result of this rotation is Night and Day.

It makes one complete revolution

every365.25 days.

Our 365 day year is based

on the revolution of

the Earth around the

Sun.

Tilt The Earth’s Axis is not parallel to the Sun’s Rays. If it were, every day would have as many hours of daylight as

darkness. You may have noticed that

this is not the case...

Seasons are caused by the

tilt of the earth’s axis as

it revolves around the sun.

Earths Axis

Seasons – As the Earth Revolves around the Sun, its Tilt causes some areas to receivemore direct sunlight than others.

When the Sun’s rays are directed towards the Southern Hemisphere, it is Summer in the South Latitudes while the

Northern Hemisphere experiences Winter.

Pre-test, Part 2

1. What is the water cycle?

2. What is the biosphere?

3. What is the difference between erosion and weathering?

4. Why do tectonic plates move?

5. What is the result of tectonic plate movement?

Bio Sphere

Erosion=involves movement

Weathering=one placeChemical vs. Mechanical

Caused by separation, colliding, subduction or transformation of plates

Most occur along fault lines Earthquakes can cause tsunami’s or

giant waves that can travel across the ocean and cause loss of life and property to many people