atmosphere (p2) Flashcards
what percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas
80%
what percentage of the atmosphere is oxygen gas
20%
what percentage of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide, noble gases and water vapour
small amounts
describe the atmosphere of the early earth
how much CO2/O2?
how was nitrogen produced?
mainly carbon dioxide with little to no oxygen gas,
nitrogen was produced in volcanic eruptions and built up most of the atmosphere
how old is the earth
4.6 billion years old
how did the amount of C02 decrease?
dissolved in oceans,
formed compounds in oceans,
used by plants in photosynthesis,
why does carbon dioxide dissolve in oceans
it is very soluble
how did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase
algae photosynthesised , creating oxygen gas
3 greenhouse gases
carbon dioxide
methane
water vapour
human activities that release fossil fuels
deforestation
agriculture
burning fossil fuels
creating waste
how is carbon monoxide released into the atmosphere
incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
harmful effects of carbon monoxide
leads to death
prevents red blood cells carrying oxygen
what are particulates
solid particles such as unburnt carbon
why are particulates harmful
cause respiratory problems
cause global dimming
global dimming
the reduction in radiation from reaching the earths surface from the sun
how are particulates released into the atmosphere
incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
what is soot
unburnt carbon
why is carbon monoxide not easily detected?
it is colourless and odorless
How has the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
increased
How has the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
decreased
How has the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
decreased
how were oceans formed
Water vapour condensed as the Earth cooled and fell as rain
The rain collected to form oceans
How has the global temperature changed in recent decades?
increased
How has the abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere changed?
increased
Describe how deforestation leads to the greenhouse effect
- Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis
- Fewer trees means less carbon dioxide can be removed
- Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas
Describe how burning fossil fuels leads to the greenhouse effect
- Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas
Describe how agriculture leads to the greenhouse effect
- Farm animals release methane
- Methane is a greenhouse gas”
Describe how creating waste leads to the greenhouse effect
- Carbon dioxide and methane are released at landfill sites when waste decomposes
- Both are greenhouse gases
what is climate change
The long term change in weather patterns
Why is the evidence linking global warming to climate change reliable?
it is peer reviewed
four effects of climate change
Rising sea levels
More extreme weather conditions (storms and droughts)
Changes in the distribution of wildlife
Changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures
what is carbon footprint
The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the life cycle of something
How can the carbon footprint be reduced?
Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and methane
How could emissions of carbon dioxide and methane be reduced?
- Use renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels
- Recycle more to avoid waste being sent to landfill
- Reduce waste
How is carbon monoxide released into the atmosphere?
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
How are particulates released into the atmosphere?
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
How is sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere?
Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities
What harmful effects does sulfur dioxide cause?
acid rain
respiratory problems
How are oxides of nitrogen released into the atmosphere?
The reaction between oxygen and nitrogen caused by the heat of car engines
What harmful effects do oxides of nitrogen cause?
Acid rain
Respiratory problems
