The Sun’s Influence on the Earth

Precipitation

The sun's rays cause water to evaporate. The water then rises with the air until it begins to cool to form clouds. Once there is enough condensation it forms rain,

Ocean Currents

The sun's rays shine onto the earth which warms the water and creates ocean currents.

Tides

The sun's gravitational pull makes the tides rise and lower.

Erosion

Heat

Erosion can be caused by the amount of heat the earth has absorbed. Too much heat without rain can cause drought, where the ground becomes dry and falls apart easily.

Water

Erosion can also be caused by water. Too much water in an area results in the ground becoming unstable. It becomes over saturated and falls apart easily.

Earthquakes

Tectonic plates become stressed by the amount of heat they take in and begin to shift, causing earthquakes.

Landslides

Landslides are caused by erosion. The ground becomes either too dry to stay in place and starts falling apart and moving or it has taken in too much water to stay in place.

Plant Growth

The sun provides food and water for plants. It's rays give the plants nourishment and the process of evaporation gives them water. The plants form the basis of the food chain.

Oxygen Levels

Depends on the amount of plant growth. The more the plant grows the more oxygen it produces.

Wildlife

Once again, the effect the sun has on wildlife depends on plant growth. An increase on plant growth not only gives some animals more food, but it also provides more means for shelter.

Acid Rain

The sun can influence the speed of precipitation. If the process of evaporation occurs too fast the water will absorb different chemicals and form acid rain. This can be dangerous to both humans and wildlife.

Global Warming

The sun naturally contributes to Global Warming (unlike our un-natural contribution). The sun creates wind currents which move hotter air towards the poles and cooler air towards the equator.