Lesson 7 Observing Creation from a Biblical View: The Atmosphere
A. Overall Lesson Objective
•To appreciate the fine-tuning of the hand of God in the creation of our entirely unique atmosphere.
B. Learning Competencies
•The created atmosphere on earth is special in its constituent parts, characteristics as a function of altitude, and characteristics in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
•In view of these things, consider atmospheric thickness compared to earth’s radius, and wonder at the Mastermind who made and sustains it. Far different conditions exist on other planets that forbid life.
•Flight, acoustics, and a host of communications are entirely dependent on the characteristics of the created and sustained atmosphere.
•Atmospheric science can be highly technical, but observing its characteristics and usefulness can be appreciated by anyone.
C. Lesson
Lesson 7 and 8 cover the atmosphere and weather. In a general sense as one combined topic, atmosphere and weather receive more attention in the Bible than any other non-living part of creation. The verses that address sunrises, sunsets, snow, hail, rain, ice, clouds and winds can be found in dozens of places. These topics are included in notable sections of scripture that have been previously mentioned, such as Psalm 104 and Job 38-41. Today, in many parts of the world, the weather is a very popular topic, but the direction of the discussions is most often consistent with the dominant naturalistic view, where God is viewed as having nothing to do with its characteristics and activity.
Very few scripture verses, however, speak of basic atmospheric characteristics. Nevertheless, without the created atmosphere, weather would not occur. The overall design of the atmosphere above earth’s surface, extending through space, is specifically addressed on Day 2 of creation (Genesis 1:6-8).
For early history, there was no ability to measure and examine atmospheric characteristics. More modern science and engineering disciplines deal directly with this part of creation. As technology was developed, studies of the atmosphere, especially the parts that affect weather, expanded quickly. Different atmospheric layers affect not only weather but communication. Other parts keep us safe from harmful radiation. Basic characteristics have effects on flight, acoustics, and a variety of other things. The design of the atmosphere is complex.
So, what are the characteristics of atmosphere that are so important? One need not go further than the well-known features to realize how unique it is compared to any other planet or how necessary those features are for us to live. Here are a few:
1.Volume. The overall measurement of height of breathable atmosphere, where extra oxygen is not necessary for human survival, is shallow compared to the farthest limits of thin atmosphere. It is well worth the exercise to compare the thickness of this lower part relative to the radius of the earth. It becomes abundantly clear how precise a region God provided for vegetation and living things. This can also be seen in concrete terms if one observes the changes in foliage as altitude increases. The ‘tree line’ on mountains is a good example, where atmospheric changes become visually evident above a few thousand meters. By the time ascent of the upper reaches of earth’s tallest mountains occurs, humans must have assistance to breath long term, vegetation has long since disappeared, and temperatures are too cold for normal life—even near the equator.
2.Density and Temperature. Temperature, density, and mass each decrease in a predictable and measurable fashion as altitude increases. The rate of decrease in the lower layer is well known and is the governing factor for where life is suitable, where flight is easier, and where crops can be selectively grown, presuming the region has enough moisture and the sun angle is sufficient. Characteristics of upper layers are quite different.
3.Moisture Content. The atmosphere has a series of layers. The lowest layer is the Troposphere, which contains most (99%) of the moisture and nearly all the weather that occurs around the globe (0-10 km in altitude). The ability of the lower atmosphere to hold water is critical. Too much or too little moisture would dramatically change surface conditions. The moisture content is critical to the water cycle.
4.Constituent Gases. The most fascinating part of the created atmosphere is the constituent gases. Their ratio, presence as a function of altitude, and atomic characteristics are perfect. The primary gases are 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Trace gases also play roles. There is no other known planetary atmosphere that is similar in primary gases.
5.Upper Atmosphere—the Grand Filter and More. Upper layers of the atmosphere, while thin, have a combination of properties that protect the earth. First, they protect us from meteor activity by causing them to explode or burn. Second, they filter harmful radiation. Third, they permit propagation of types of electromagnetic radiation. Some of the characteristics are known, but active research continues. The net effects are quite astounding, and the variables are not completely understood.
6.Net Effects. Like other parts of creation, the manifold effects of the atmosphere and its interaction with both the surface of the earth and the sun are complex. It remains an area of research, although some characteristics are used without completely knowing all the details. The bottom line is this: the Creator was precise on Day 2 of creation to make the atmosphere a key part of the earth system that permits life as we know it.
Flight is taken for granted today but the atmosphere’s changes as a function of altitude are key to man’s producing flight vehicles. Flight was automatic for God’s created birds (created on Day 5), illustrating God’s master understanding of complex principles that took us centuries to understand.
Acoustics, or the disciplined study of sound, is geared to our atmosphere’s features. Density and the characteristics of air to propagate sound are highly complex yet understood perfectly by God before they were. Without sound, there is no music, orchestras, thunder, sea sounds, and a variety of other things we consider important or appreciate. All these things are coupled to God’s design of our ears and brain that interpret sound. It is, in short, a grand system designed by the Creator.
The list of benefits from our created atmosphere are innumerable. In contrast, the hazardous effects of atmosphere that is polluted are just beginning to be known. As in the case with other parts of creation, we have a responsibility to prevent damage to the atmosphere by bad practices. This issue becomes especially notable in large cities, where pollution problems in some nations render the atmosphere dangerous for a significant portion of the population.
D. Assignment
Examine the following verses and describe at least three ways that the weather is known and/or used by the Creator: Job 37:6-7, 11-13; Psalm 65:9-13
E. Learning Activity
🦕 CT? Divide into teams. Using available science book references, draw the atmosphere layers and label them. What are the effects or benefits of each section? Each team should state or illustrate the total thickness of the atmosphere compared to the radius of the earth in terms of percentage. Teams can compete in terms of time to complete the task. Accuracy is 40% of the score; completeness is 50%. 10% for the answer to the percentage question. The teacher, of course, is the final judge.
F. Concluding Assessment
Earth’s atmosphere, which the Lord created, has layers with special characteristics that permit life, provide protection, hold moisture, and yield weather.