C-8 Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
Percentage was nitrogen in the early atmosphere
3%
Why did nitrogen levels increase and what did they increased to
They increase because the volcanoes released nitrogen
The Earth is now 78% nitrogen
What percentage was carbon dioxide in the early atmosphere
97%
Why did carbon dioxide levels Decrease and what they Decrease to
Photosynthesis exchanged the CO2 into oxygen-Carbon dioxide also got trapped
E.g. sedimentary rocks, crude oil
CO2 levels are now 0.03%
What were Oxygen levels in the early atmosphere
There was only a trace of oxygen
Why did oxygen increase and what percentage is it now
Photosynthesis produces oxygen
21%
What human activities affect greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
– Deforestation—
-Burning fossil feels
-Agriculture –More farm animals – methane
– creating waste – more landfill sites
What are greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour act like an insulating layer in the Earth atmosphere – this, amongst other factors, allow the Earth to be warm enough to support life
-Greenhouse gases don’t absorb short wavelengths from the Sun however they do absorb the long wavelengths – they then re-radiate it all in directions including back earth – longwave radiation is the thermal radiation so results in warming the earths surface
What does increased carbon dioxide lead to
Climate change
What could be the consequences of climate change
- ice caps melting: causing rise in sea levels
- changes in rainfall patterns
- change in temperature and the amount of water available in a habitat may affect wild species
What is evidence for rising co2 levels in recent years
Take a core of ice-lower points in the ice have less co2
What is a carbon footprint
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other green house gases release over the full lifecycle
How can you reduce carbon footprint
-using renewable energy resources
-using more efficient processes
-eating less beef
-use bio fuels
-
How is carbon dioxide produced
The complete combustion of fossil fuels
How is water vapour produced
Complete combustion of fossil fuels
