What Is Earth Made Of, and How Does the Atmosphere Protect and Control Climate?
This section explains what Earth is made of and how its atmosphere helps protect life and manage climate. It gives children a clear understanding of the planet’s structure and the important role of the air surrounding us.
Main Layers of the Earth
- Crust:
- The outermost layer where humans, animals, and plants live.
- Made up of solid rock, soil, and oceans.
- Contains landforms like mountains, valleys, and plains.
- Mantle:
- The thick layer beneath the crust.
- Made of hot, semi-solid rock that flows slowly.
- Plays a role in causing volcanoes and earthquakes.
- Outer Core:
- Made of hot, liquid metals like iron and nickel.
- Responsible for generating Earth’s magnetic field.
- Inner Core:
- The centre of the Earth, made of solid metal.
- Extremely hot and under immense pressure.
How the Atmosphere Protects and Controls Climate
- Blocks Harmful Rays: The ozone layer in the atmosphere blocks dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun.
- Maintains Temperature: The atmosphere traps heat from the Sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life — this is known as the greenhouse effect.
- Controls Weather: It holds moisture and helps form clouds, which bring rain, snow, and wind.
- Provides Oxygen: The atmosphere contains gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide that are essential for breathing and plant growth.
- Shields from Space Objects: Meteoroids usually burn up in the atmosphere before reaching Earth’s surface.
Quiz-Friendly Examples
- The outer layer of the Earth where we live – Crust
- The layer that causes volcanoes and earthquakes – Mantle
- The part of the atmosphere that blocks harmful UV rays – Ozone Layer
- The process that traps heat to keep Earth warm – Greenhouse Effect
- The gas layer that gives us oxygen and protects Earth – Atmosphere
