Atmosphere Notes

Question 1

How does the atmosphere support life.

Answer 1

Gases for natural processes
Absorption of electromagnetic radiation from the sun
Delaying the escape of IR energy
Heat distribution
Ocean currents
Transport of water vapour

Question 2

Composition of the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Nitrogen
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Ozone
Rare and other gases

Question 3

Structure of the atmosphere

Answer 3

Thermosphere
Mesopause
Mesosphere
Stratosphere
Stratopause
Tropopause
Troposphere

Question 4

The natural greenhouse effect

Answer 4

1. Visible light passes through atmosphere easily and is absorbed by the earth’s surface
2. The warm earth emits IR radiation which cannot pass through the atmosphere easily as it is absorbed by gases

Question 5

The enhanced GH effect and GCC

Answer 5

Human activities are increasing the concentration of the GHG that absorb IR

CO2
-combustion of FF and wood

Methane (CH4)
-landfill sites

NOx
-O2 and nitrogen from the air react at high temperatures e.g. vehicle engines

CFCs
-aerosols propellants

Tropospheric ozone
-photochemical breakdown of nitrogen and subsequent reactions with oxygen