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Earth and Atmosphere

infoWhy this? Earth's layered structure, rocks, resources, and atmosphere are shaped by interconnected physical, chemical, and biological processes. Understanding the rock and carbon cycles enables us to explain long-term planetary change and evaluate how resource use and carbon emissions affect climate and the environment.

scheduleWhy now? This unit brings together Year 7 ideas about solids, liquids, gases, mixtures, and material change in an Earth-science context. Its treatment of carbon cycling, finite resources, and climate change also prepares us to examine ecosystems, photosynthesis, and energy-resource choices in later units.

neurologyYou need to know

  • The Earth is made up of four main layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
  • The crust is composed mainly of solid rocks such as granite and basalt.
  • The mantle consists of semi-solid silicate rocks rich in magnesium and iron.
  • The outer core is liquid and made mostly of iron and nickel.
  • The inner core is solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel.
  • Sedimentary rocks include examples such as limestone, sandstone, and shale.
  • Sedimentary rocks are typically formed from layers of sediment, are often porous, and may contain fossils.
  • Sedimentary rocks are formed by the compaction and cementation of sediments.
  • Metamorphic rocks include examples such as marble and slate.
  • Igneous rocks include examples such as granite and basalt.
  • Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that are changed by heat and pressure.
  • Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
  • Metamorphic rocks are usually harder than sedimentary rocks, may have foliation, and do not contain fossils.
  • Igneous rocks are usually hard, crystalline, and do not contain fossils.
  • The three types of rock (sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic) differ in their formation processes, properties, and typical features.
  • The rock cycle describes the processes by which rocks change from one type to another, including weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, melting, cooling, and metamorphism.
  • A finite resource is one that is limited in supply and cannot be replaced within a human timescale.
  • Recycling is important because it conserves finite resources, reduces waste, and lowers environmental impact.
  • Changes in behaviour, such as reducing consumption and reusing materials, and using alternative materials, such as bioplastics or recycled metals, can help limit the consumption of natural resources.
  • The carbon cycle includes processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition, and fossilisation.
  • Carbon is recycled in the environment through the carbon cycle, moving between the atmosphere, living organisms, oceans, and rocks.
  • Increases in carbon dioxide levels can be explained by changes in the rates of photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, and deforestation.
  • Major causes of increasing carbon dioxide emissions include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
  • Climate change is a long-term change in global or regional climate patterns, often linked to increased levels of greenhouse gases.
  • Global warming refers specifically to the observed and projected increase in the Earth's average surface temperature due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
  • Increased levels of carbon dioxide enhance the greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

  • Identify and label the layers of the Earth on a diagram.
  • Compare and contrast the properties and formation processes of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
  • Classify given rock samples or descriptions as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic, with justification.
  • Sequence and describe the steps in the rock cycle, using appropriate terminology.
  • Use a diagram of the carbon cycle to trace the movement of carbon through different processes and reservoirs.
  • Explain, using the carbon cycle, how changes in natural and human activities can alter atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
  • Suggest and justify practical ways to reduce the consumption of finite resources through recycling, behavioural change, or use of alternatives.
  • Explain, with reference to the greenhouse effect, how increased carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.


Revision Quiz

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