C9: Atmospheric Chemistry Flashcards
What was the Earth’s early atmosphere like?
-Mostly carbon dioxide
-Nitrogen
-Water, increasing due to volcanic activity
- Ammonia
- Methane
- Water vapour
Why was there a decrease in carbon dioxide?
- It was likely dissolved into the oceans formed, then into sediment
- Locked up in rocks
- Photosynthesis
Why was there an increase in oxygen?
Plants and algae converted carbon dioxide into oxygen via photosynthesis
What is the greenhouse effect?
Keeps the earth warm
Greenhouse gases absorb long wavelength radiation reflected on the surface
These include water vapour, carbon dioxide & methane
What is global warming?
The rise in global temperatures
What is a carbon footprint?
The measure of how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as a result of your actions
What does carbon monoxide do?
Bind to the haemoglobin in red blood cells, reducing the oxygen they are able to transport around the body.
It’s odourless & colourless, making it very hard to detect.
What does sulphur dioxide cause?
Acid rain, which corrodes metals and erodes stone
- Kills plants
- Destroys statues
- Kills fish
What do nitrogen oxides cause?
Respiratory/breathing problems
Smog
Acid rain
What can carbon particles/soot cause
Health issues
What is the modern atmosphere made up of?
- Nitrogen = 78%
- Oxygen = 21%
- Carbon dioxide = 0.04%
Why did water vapour decrease?
It rained, making oceans
What are the main greenhouse gases?
- Carbon dioxide
- Water vapour
- Methane
What activities have led to increased CO2 levels?
- Burning fossil fuels
- Deforestation
- Reliance on petrol cars
What does carbon in the air cause?
- Smog
- Acid rain
