Earth Science Topic

Climate and Earth Systems

Explore how Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and life interact to regulate climate. From the greenhouse effect to plate tectonics, Earth systems shape the conditions for life.

Learning Path

1 Study

Plate Tectonics Poster

Visual guide to Earth's tectonic plates, plate boundaries, subduction zones, mid-ocean ridges, and how plate movement drives earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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2 Calculate

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Estimate annual CO2 emissions from transportation, home energy, diet, and lifestyle. Pie chart breakdown, country comparison, and trees-to-offset metrics with presets.

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3 Experiment

Greenhouse Effect and Climate Lab

Investigate Earth's energy budget and greenhouse effect. Adjust CO2 levels and albedo, measure temperature response, explore feedback loops, and compare emission scenarios.

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4 Reference

Key Concepts

  • Greenhouse gases trap outgoing infrared radiation
  • Albedo: fraction of sunlight reflected by surface
  • Ocean absorbs 90% of excess heat
  • Carbon cycle connects atmosphere, land, ocean
  • Pre-industrial CO2 was ~280 ppm; now above 420 ppm

More Resources

Rock Cycle Poster

Visual map of how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form and transform into each other through geological processes over millions of years.

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Nutrient Cycling Lab

Simulate nitrogen dynamics in agricultural soil with Euler-method ODE integration. Adjust fixation, nitrification, and denitrification rates and verify mass balance.

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Earth History Lab

Calculate rock ages using radiometric dating with C-14, K-40, U-238, and Rb-87 isotope systems. Measure plate motion rates from magnetic reversal distances.

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Atmosphere & Weather Patterns Cheat Sheet

Layers of the atmosphere, pressure gradients, Coriolis effect, and weather front types at a glance.

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