Methods II: Week 9

 What did we do in lab this week?

This week we focused a lot on the timeline of our existence and Earth's existence. We looked into big events such as the formation of the earth, water found on the earth, Earth freezing over, the first plants and animals on the earth, and when humans first existed on Earth. We emphasized that humans have been here for a very short time in comparison to the timeline of the universe since the "Big Bang". We used a simulation called Earthviewer to look through some of the big events and eras our earth has gone through. 

What was the big question?

When did big events relating to our Earth take place?

What did we learn in Thursday's discussion?

We took our Space exam so we did not continue our discussion on this topic. 

This week's reading: Chapter 15: History of Earth

- I learned: the Earth was able to freeze over completely due to a positive feedback loop. When Ice accumulated on the planet, it reflected more and more light away from the sun which increased the amount of ice. Eventually, the earth's atmosphere contained so much CO2 due to the lack of plants and volcanic eruptions and it melted the ice off. 

- I found helpful: I liked the illustration of the creation of the universe by putting it on a clock. This helped me see how close to current day that humans came into existence compared to the timeline of the universe. In reality, we have only existed for a time comparable to the last 20 seconds of the day when the timeline of the universe is compared to a 24 hour day.  

- I need more info on: How plate tectonics changed the land so much to detach Pangaea but are still moving today and don't shift our land that much. 

My questions/comments/concerns: 

How do plate tectonics change our Earth today without destroying our cities, etc.?

*MY CONVECTION CELLS VIDEO IS HERE: 



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