C9 Ai Flashcards
What was the main composition of the early atmosphere?
Mostly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen
The early atmosphere was similar to that of Mars and Venus today.
What gases were released by volcanoes during the first phase of atmospheric evolution?
Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water vapour, methane, ammonia
These gases contributed to the formation of the early atmosphere.
What formed the oceans in the early Earth?
Water vapour condensed into liquid
This occurred as the atmosphere cooled over time.
How did carbon dioxide levels change over time?
Much of the carbon dioxide was removed from the atmosphere
This was due to dissolution in oceans and photosynthesis by plants and algae.
What is the process of photosynthesis represented by?
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
The equation shows how green plants and algae produce oxygen.
What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?
Coal, crude oil, and natural gas formed from remains of ancient organisms
Coal from plant layers, oil and gas from plankton.
What is limestone primarily made of?
Calcium carbonate from shells and skeletons of marine organisms
Limestone is a significant sedimentary rock formed over millions of years.
When did algae evolve, and what was their significance?
About 2.7 billion years ago; they produced oxygen
Their evolution was crucial for the development of an oxygen-rich atmosphere.
What are the current proportions of gases in the atmosphere?
About 80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, less than 1% other gases
Other gases include carbon dioxide, noble gases, and water vapour.
True or False: The proportions of gases in the atmosphere have remained stable for the last 200 million years.
True
This stability allowed for the evolution of various life forms.
Fill in the blank: Sedimentary rocks are formed when sea organisms die and get _______.
buried
What is the role of photosynthesis in the evolution of the atmosphere?
It produces oxygen, allowing for animal evolution
Photosynthesis is essential for maintaining oxygen levels.
What are the main greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour.
How do greenhouse gases keep the Earth warm?
They absorb thermal radiation and re-radiate it, warming the atmosphere.
What type of radiation does the sun emit?
Short wavelength radiation.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The process where radiation from the sun warms the Earth’s surface and greenhouse gases trap that heat.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is absorbed for photosynthesis.
What is the impact of burning fossil fuels on carbon dioxide levels?
It releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
How does agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?
More farm animals produce more methane during digestion.
What is the role of landfill sites in greenhouse gas emissions?
They release carbon dioxide and methane as waste breaks down.
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of carbon dioxide emissions released over the lifecycle of a product or service.
What recent trend has been observed regarding Earth’s average temperature?
It has been rising over recent years.
What human activities are believed to contribute to increased carbon dioxide levels?
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.
What do scientists believe the increase in carbon dioxide will lead to?
Climate change.
What does peer-reviewed evidence indicate?
It suggests that the information is reliable.
Why is modeling the Earth’s climate complex?
The Earth’s climate is very complex, making it hard to create accurate models.
What can biased stories in the media lead to?
They can lead to the formation of opinions not based on good evidence.
What are some potential consequences of climate change?
Rising sea levels, changes in rainfall, more severe storms, and affected food production.
Fill in the blank: Higher global temperatures could cause ice in the Arctic and Antarctic to _______.
melt.
True or False: Changes in rainfall due to climate change may cause some regions to experience either too much or too little water.
True.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect
Examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
How is carbon dioxide taken in by plants?
Through the process of photosynthesis
Plants absorb carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and glucose.
What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, event, or product
It is usually measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.
Why are carbon footprints tricky to measure?
Because they can vary significantly across different activities and products
Measurement can be complex due to multiple factors involved.
List some methods to reduce carbon footprints.
- Using renewable energy sources
- Using processes that use less energy
- Taxing emissions
- Limiting total emissions
- Carbon capture technology
These methods aim to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
True or False: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is simple.
False
Many alternative technologies require further development and implementation.
What concerns do governments have about reducing emissions?
Potential negative impacts on the economy and community well-being
This is especially crucial for developing countries.
What lifestyle changes are needed from individuals in developed countries?
Changes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Many individuals may resist these changes due to lack of understanding or willingness.
Fill in the blank: Carbon emissions can lead to _______.
global warming
This highlights the environmental impact of greenhouse gases.
What is one way governments can encourage businesses to reduce emissions?
Tax companies based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emit
This financial incentive can promote cleaner practices.
What is a potential solution for capturing carbon dioxide emissions?
Carbon capture technology that stores CO2 underground
This technology aims to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
What is the relationship between fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions?
Burning fossil fuels releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases
Transitioning to renewable sources can help mitigate this.
What are some renewable energy sources?
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydro
- Geothermal
These sources are sustainable and have lower emissions compared to fossil fuels.
What is causing climate change?
Increasing carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
What releases gases and particles into the atmosphere?
Combustion of Fossil Fuels
This process involves burning fossil fuels, which contain hydrocarbons.
What are the two types of combustion?
- Complete combustion
- Incomplete combustion
Complete combustion occurs when there is plenty of oxygen, while incomplete combustion occurs with limited oxygen.
What are the products of incomplete combustion?
- Solid particulates (soot)
- Carbon monoxide
Incomplete combustion produces harmful substances that can affect health and the environment.
What health issues can particulates in the air cause?
Respiratory problems
Particulates can damage lung tissue when inhaled.
What is a consequence of particulates reflecting sunlight?
Global dimming
This phenomenon reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface.
What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?
A colorless, odorless gas that prevents blood from carrying oxygen
Lack of oxygen can lead to fainting, coma, or death.
What pollutants are released from burning fossil fuels?
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- Nitrogen oxides
These gases are harmful and contribute to environmental issues such as acid rain.
How is sulfur dioxide formed during combustion?
From fossil fuels that contain sulfur impurities
The combustion process releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
What causes nitrogen oxides to form?
A reaction between nitrogen and oxygen in the air due to heat
This reaction occurs during the combustion of fossil fuels.
What is the effect of acid rain on the environment?
- Kills plants
- Damages buildings, statues, and metals
Acid rain results from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mixing with clouds.
What happens to universal indicator when it detects sulfur impurities?
It turns red
This indicates the presence of sulfur in the fuel being tested.
What are natural resources?
Materials and substances that occur in nature
Examples include water, minerals, and fossil fuels.
What is the difference between renewable and finite resources?
- Renewable: can be replenished naturally
- Finite: limited in quantity and cannot be replaced
Renewable resources include solar energy, while finite resources include fossil fuels.
Fill in the blank: Wool is a _______ resource.
natural
Wool is derived from sheep and is a natural product.
True or False: Burning fossil fuels has no impact on the environment.
False
Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and climate change.
