So far, the Earth is the only planet known to have life on it. We all know that there are certain conditions, which are essential for life to exist. All living things need water, food, oxygen and the right temperature to survive. All these conditions are present on the Earth.
There is ample water on the Earth's surface. The atmosphere of the Earth has gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, which are essential for animals and plants. It prevents the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from reaching the Earth. Thus, Earth's atmosphere is suitable for life to exist.
The temperature of the Earth's surface is also suitable for living organisms. Food is also available on the Earth. All these conditions are, however, not available on any other planet. Venus seems to be similar to Earth.
But its temperature is about 800 degrees F. Life cannot exist at such a high temperature. Jupyter and Saturn cannot have any life on them, as they are enveloped by clouds of poisonous gases. There is some possibility of life on Mars. Thus, it is apparent that the earth is the only planet with life on it.
HOW DOES A VOLCANO ERUPT?
A Volcano is a mountain that is created by lava from inside the Earth. Volcanoes sometimes erupt, sending hot molten lava and ash down onto their surroundings.
The interior of the Earth is said to be very hot. Even at two miles below the Earth's surface, the temperature is quite high. At around thirty meters below the surface, the temperature is about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. At the center of the Earth, the temperature might be as high as 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Such a high temperature causes the rocks to melt. Melted rocks need more space. The pressure inside the rock becomes greater than at its surface. As the pressure increases, it causes the top of the rock to burst. This is referred to as a volcanic eruption. When there is an eruption, hot, gaseous lava and solid particles are thrown out. The lava and the solid particles get collected around the opening and a cone-shaped mountain is formed. This mountain becomes a volcanic mountain.
There are three types of volcanic mountains: an active volcano, a dormant volcano and an extinct volcano. An active volcano is one, which may erupt suddenly at any time. A dormant volcano is called a sleeping volcano. Although it is inactive at present, it may erupt in the future. An extinct volcano will never erupt again and again.
WHY IS THERE CONTINUOUS MOVEMENT IN THE PACIFIC PLATE?
The Earth's crust is not made of a single piece. It consists of a number of pieces called plates. These plates are joined together, and It can be compared to a big jigsaw puzzle.
Underneath these plates, soft, semi-melted rock is always on the move. Because of this movement, the plates of the Earth push against each other. As a result, there are disturbances in the Earth's crust.
Earthquake is one of the effects caused by the push of these plates. The earthquake may split the Earth's crust. Volcanoes are also caused due to these plates pushing each other. Sometimes, new lands may be formed. Giant mountains may emerge out of the interior of the Earth. The plates never rest as they are always moving. In one year, they may move about 2.50 to 3 centimeters.
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