Terraforming Mars

by E.R.

Scientists at a NASA conference were discussing the possibilities of making the planet Mars a place where humans can live. Although greenhouse gases are bad for the Earth's atmosphere, on Mars, these gases could provide a pretty good place for humans to live. The average temperature on Mars is -55°C, which is extremely cold. In order for people to be able to live on Mars, scientists believe that if they bring the greenhouse gases to Mars, it could evaporate all of the carbon dioxide. This will allow the greenhouse gases to keep the planet warm enough for people to live on, but not very comfortable. Another type of gases that scientists are considering to use on Mars is perfluorocarbons, super-greenhouse gases that provide a lot of warmth, do not affect living organisms in a bad way, and last an extremely long time, which will act as a positive towards making Mars a more suitable place to live. Chlorofluorocarbons are a type of chemical that provides protection towards a planets ozone layer and against ultraviolet rays. This chemical will help build an ozone layer on Mars which will absorb the sun's solar energy and release it into the atmosphere. Scientists have calculated that it will take several centuries in order for the temperature of Mars to rise up to 6 to 8 degrees Celsius.

This article relates to what we are learning because it has to do with thermal energy and Earth and Space Science. When the gases are released onto Mars, the greenhouse gases will trap the thermal energy that radiates from the surface causing the temperature to rise. I found this article interesting because of the fact that scientists are trying to find a way so that people can actually work and live on the planet Mars. Even though it will take an enormous amount of time, and a lot of processes and plans, I believe this idea will come true due to our scientists and technological advances.

http://www.firstscience.com/home/articles/earth/terraforming-mars_1270.html

An artist's concept of a greenhouse on Mars

Urban Roof Gardens

The article explained how green rooftop gardens in urban areas can help our environment and cities. An example would be water flow problems. When rainwater comes down it usually hits roofs and runs down the downspouts which causes it to hit the ground fast. This overwhelms sewage treatment centers taking up a lot of energy and polluting rivers. The green roofs show how using earth science can cut down on reliance on physical science. In other words, green roofs are estimated to reduce electricity in urban cities like Toronto by 5 - 15%. Rather than have rainfall go down storm drains, roof gardens use the rainwater for plant growth which increases levels of oxygen. Roof gardens are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto by 2.4 megatons per year. Many cities in countries around the world including Japan, England and the United States are getting creative with roof gardens. The cost of planting and piping for roof gardens is high, but over the years it is worth the investment.

This article related to what we have learned about Earth and Environmental Science - plant life can be converted to uses in our lives beyond providing us food. If we use this more often, we will save energy, save money, and learn a little science. I did this article because I was interested in the science relation to the energy crisis in the world. This also uses our current study of energy in the real world. This is an interesting part of science, and I would like to learn more about it.

From,

K.E.

source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1115_021115_GreenRoofs_2.html

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