Outline the conditions necessary for a planet to maintain an ocean of liquid water permanently. What will be an ideal response?


The conditions necessary to maintain a large, permanent liquid ocean include the following:
(1) a planet that moves in a nearly circular orbit around a stable star; (2) the distance of the
planet from the star must be such to provide a temperate environment in which water is
liquid; (3) the planet’s sun must not be a double or multiple star that provides orbital years
with irregular periods of intense heat and cold; (4) materials that accreted to form the planet
must have included water and substance capable of forming a solid crust; and (5) the planet
must be large enough that its gravity will keep the atmosphere and ocean from drifting off
into space.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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What is the primary reason for the elevated position of the oceanic ridge system?

What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences