C13 Flashcards
What was earths old atmosphere formed by
Volcanic activity
What did our old atmosphere consist of
C02
Nitrogen
Water
What happened as plants spread
Oxygen levels increased
What is the percent of CO2 in our atmosphere now
0.04%
How was co2 removed from the atmosphere
-Dissolving into oceans sediments
-algae and plants by photosynthesis
-
How much nitrogen is in the atmosphere
78%
How much oxygen is in the atmosphere
20%
Give examples of greenhouse gases
CO2
Methane
Why is their increasing amount of methane
More animal farming
Increased waste
What are some consequences of rising levels of greenhouse gases
Rising sea levels (ice caps)
Change in temp
What is a carbon footprint
Total amount of greenhouse gases emitted over a lifetime
What actions reduce carbon footprint
Alternative energy supplies
Plant based diets
What are some problems of reducing carbon footprints
Scientific disagreement over the causes and consequences of of climate change
What can Incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon cause
Carbon monoxide
Soot
Particulates
What do most fossil fuels contain
Súlfur
What causes acid rain
Súlfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
How is súlfur dioxide made
Burning of súlfur compounds
How is nitrogen oxide made
At high temps when fuels burn oxygen and nitrogen may form
How was coal formed
Thick deposits of plant material were compressed over millions of years
How were crude oil and natural gas formed
Remains of plankton deposited on the sea bed, these remains were compressed by covering rocks
Why is there increasing amount of co2
-Burning of fossil fuels
-Deforestation
-Temperatures rises co2 becomes less soluble in water
What are biofuels
Fuels made from plant material absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and return to the atmosphere after being burnt
What is carbon capture and storage
CO2 produced in power stations is pumped underground into porous rocks
What is the equation for photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen
What is the formula for methane
CH4
How does súlfur cause acid rain
Burns in air to form súlfur dioxide
Dissolved in rain
