Atmosphere Flashcards
Describe the Early Atmsophere (4.6 billion yrs. ago)
- Intense Volcanic Activity so mainly CO2 in atmophere
- Light gases (hydrogen and helium) escaped easily
Describe the Formation of Oceans (4 billion years ago )
- Cooling made water vapour condense to form oceans
- Water absorbs UV light so marine life can survive
- CO2 dissolves in ocean; forms carbonates
Describe the Great Oxygenation Event (2.7 billion years ago)
- Cyanobacteria + algae do photosynthesis
- Mass extinction of anaerobic organisms as CO2 became biomass and Oxygen inc.
What is the equation for photosynthesis
6CO2+ 6H20 -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Describe the Atmsopheric Impact of Oxygen
- Sunlight converts oxygen to ozone; 3O2 -> 2O3
- Ozone absorbs dangerous UV
- Methane + Ammonia decreases
What is the modern day atmosphere made up of
78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, around 1% argon and 0.04% CO2
Define the National Greenhouse Effect
Radiation given off by earth in infra-red waves which is absorbed by Greenhouse Gases to warm the Earth
Define the Human Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
More greenhouse gas being produced to human activity so a higher proportion of radiation is being trapped; higher temp. so climate change
What are the impacts of climate change
- Declining sea ice
- Rising sea levels
- More extreme weather
- Acidification of Oceans
Define a Carbon Footprint
Total amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted over a products lifetime
What is the solution and concern for CO2
Harmful to respiration and greenhouse gas. Burn less fossil fuels
What is the solution and concern for CO
good oxygen supply. Toxic
What is the solution and concern for C (soot)
good oxygen supply. Global dimming and causes respiratory problems
What is the solution and concern for SO2 (sulphur dioxide)
remove sulphur from fuel before or after burning SO2. Acid Rain
What is the solution and concern for Nitrogen Oxides
Use catalytic convertor. Acid Rain
