Chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
Intense volcanic activity releases:
-Mainly carbon dioxide.
-Water vapour (which condenses to form the oceans).
-Small porportions of methane/ammonia.
-Nitrogen (gradually built in the atmosphere).
Green plants and algae evolve and:
-Carbon dioxide is reduced and oxygen is given out.
-Microorganisms that can’t tolerate oxygen are killed off.
-Carbon locked up in sedimentary rocks from the shells and skeletons of marine organisms.
-Other gases react with oxygen to release nitrogen.
What are the greenhouse gases?
Water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane.
Greenhouse gases effect.
-sun sends short-wavelength infrared radiation to Earth.
-Reaches the surface, some is absorbed, warming the planet. -longer-wavelength infrared radiation is reflected by the atmosphere.
-traps heat and raise Earth’s temperature.
What activities increase the methane levels?
-The decomposition of rubbish in landfill sites.
-The increase in animal farming-waste materials.
Which two gases do human activities increase?
Carbon dioxide.
Methane.
What could an increase in global temperature lead to?
-Rise in sea levels-floods.
-More droughts.
-food shortages-change due to the amount some counties can produce.
-Changes to the distribution of plants and animals-harmful to people/wildlife.
What is carbon footprint?
the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event.
How to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and
methane?
-Wasting less energy.
-Using more alternative energy supplies.
-Carbon taxes/licences.
-Carbon off-setting-eg tree planting.
What are the problems with reducing carbon footprint?
-Lack of info/knowledge in the population.
-Reluctance to change lifestyles.
-Economic considerations.
-Disagreement between scientists over the causes/consequences of global warming.
