What conditions are necessary to maintain an ocean of liquid water permanently? Why is having a

liquid ocean so important? What will be an ideal response?


ANS:Answer
should include:
? The movement in a nearly circular orbit around a stable star is needed.
? The distance from the star is important. It has an effect on the temperature. If a planet is
too close to a star, it may only be able to sustain water vapor. On the other hand, a planet
that is too far away from the star will only be able to sustain solid ice.
? There can only be a single star that it is orbiting to ensure the consistency of the
temperature. Multiple stars could cause intense periods of heat or cold.
? Materials on the planet must be present to form a solid crust in addition to water.
? The planet must be large enough to ensure its gravity will keep the ocean and
atmosphere from meandering into space.
? The presence of an ocean is vital for the formation of life. This is likely the place on
Earth where life began.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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