Atm Flashcards
What was the primary component of the early atmosphere?
Mostly carbon dioxide with virtually no oxygen
Similar to the atmospheres of Mars and Venus today.
What gases were released by volcanic activity during Earth’s first billion years?
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour, small amounts of methane and ammonia
These gases contributed to the formation of the early atmosphere.
What significant change occurred when water vapour condensed in the atmosphere?
Formation of the oceans
This led to the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
What process did green plants and algae use to absorb carbon dioxide?
Photosynthesis
They convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen.
What happened to carbon dioxide that dissolved in the oceans?
It formed carbonate precipitates that created sediments on the seabed
This process helped to lock carbon away.
How are fossil fuels formed?
From the remains of dead plants and marine animals that are buried and compressed over millions of years
Includes coal, crude oil, and natural gas.
What is the composition of the atmosphere similar to today?
Approximately 80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and small amounts of other gases
These include carbon dioxide, noble gases, and water vapour.
What rock is primarily made from calcium carbonate deposits?
Limestone
It originates from the shells and skeletons of marine organisms.
True or False: Algae evolved before green plants.
True
Algae evolved about 2.7 billion years ago.
Fill in the blank: The process by which plants use light to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars is called _______.
[photosynthesis]
What type of rock is coal classified as?
Sedimentary rock
It is made from thick plant deposits.
What do we learn about the atmosphere from Antarctic ice cores?
How the atmosphere has changed over time
Each layer of ice contains trapped air that provides historical data.
