C-9 Evolution of the atmosphere Flashcards
1
Q
- What happened in phase 1 of the development of the atmosphere - volcanic
A
- Volcanoes gave off gases
- Billions of years ago - how early atmosphere formed
- Mostly Co2 nearly no oxygen
- Volcanic activity also gives of nitrogen, water vapour and small mounts of methane and ammonia
2
Q
- What was phase 2 of the development of the atmosphere - Oceans, algae and green plants
A
- Oceans, Algae and green plants oabosrbed co2
- Water vapour condensed and formed oceans
- Co2 dissolved and formed carbon precipitation that formed sediment ion sea bed
- Green pants and algae absorbed and help carbon by photosynthesise. Later shelly and skeletons of plants contained carbonates from the ocean
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3
Q
- How do fossil fuels form,
A
- When plants , plankton and marine animal die they fall to seabed and get buried by layers of sediment
- Over millions of years they become compressed and form sedimentary rock, oil and gas- trapping carbon within
4
Q
- How are crude oil, coal and limestone formed
A
- Crude oil- Formed form plankton deposits
- coal- sedimentary rock from plant deposits
- Limestone- calcium carbonate deposits of shells and skeletons
5
Q
What is phase three- green plants and algae produced oxygen
A
- Green plants produced oxygen by respiration- photosynthesise
- Algae evoked first- 2.7 billion
- ## As oxygen built up complex life forms could evolve
6
Q
- What is the composition of the environment 200 million years ago
A
80%^ nitrogen
20% oxygen
- Minor amounts of other gasses carbon dioxide, noble gases, water vapour
7
Q
- What impact do greenhouse gasses have on environment
A
- Act as insulting layer- needed to keep heat in
- Absorb frequency of radiation
- Dont absorb short wave common go, but do absorb the long wave going out
- They vibrate the gasses particles and the energy is deflected back into the earth
8
Q
- What forms of human acuity has led to increased amount of greenhouse gasses in atmosphere
A
- Deforestation - less photosynthesis
- Burning fossil fuels- carbon was locked up
- Agriculture- farm animals produce methane
- Carting waste- decomposition leads to co2
9
Q
- How is carbon linked to climate change
A
- Varies naturally- increasing at unusual rate
- Evidence has bene peer reviewed
- Hard to fully understand
- some concerns about bias
10
Q
- What are some consequences of climate change
A
- Polar ice caps melting- sea levels rise- flooding and coastal erosion
- Changes in rainfall patterns- change in climate in regions - may effect food growth
- Frequency and severity of storms
- Wildlife
11
Q
- What are carbon footprints
A
- Measure of amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses released over full life cycle of something
12
Q
- Why is it hard to measure carbon footprint
A
- So many factors- sourcing
- Rough calculations can be made
13
Q
- What are some ways of reducing carbon footprint
A
- Renewable energy or nuclear
- Efficient processes, conserve energy and waste- less decomposition
- Tax based on greenhouse gas usage- e.g cars
- Cap on greenhouse gasses
- Carbon capture- store it
14
Q
- Why is reduction in greenhouse gasses difficult
A
- Lots of development needed on alternatives
- Governments cornered about impact on economic growth- especially emerging
- Not everyone’s in agreements- hard to make international agreements
- Some don’t want to make lifestyle changes
15
Q
- What happens during composition of fossil fuels
A
- Hydrocarbons are oxidised and water vapour and co2 released into atmosphere
- When enough oxygen complete combustion occurs
