C13:TheEarth'sAtmosphere Flashcards
what was the earths early atmosphere formed by
volcanic activity
earth early atmosphere
mainly carbon dioxide with nitrogen and water vapour with trace amounts of ammonia and methane
how did oxygen levels increase
as plants spread across the world
what decreased the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
photosynthesis by algae and plants, the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels that contain carbon
how were any ammonia and methane removed
by reactions with oxygen
percentage of gases in todays atmosphere
78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide
why has the amount of carbon dioxide in todays atmosphere now risen
due to the burning of fossil fuels
what do reducing greenhouse gases rely on
reducing the use of fossil fuels, by using alternative sources of energy
disadvantages of changing from fossil fuels to alternative sources
cost money to implement
advantages of changing to alternative sources
stop potential risks from climate change, such as rising sea levels, threats to ecosystems and different patterns of food production around the world
what is the main greenhouse gas
carbon dioxide
when hydrocarbons are completely combusted what is formed
carbon dioxide and water
sulfur impurites burn to form sulfur dioxide, what can this cause
acid rain
what can we do to fuels with sulfur in before we burn them
remove the sulfur
if you change the conditions in which hydrocarbons are burned what else can change
the products made
