Chemistry Of The Atmosphere Flashcards
Composition of the Earth’s atmosphere
80% nitrogen
20% oxygen
0.9% argon
0.04% carbon dioxide
1%> trace gases
The Earth’s early atmosphere
Volcanic activity - released CO2 (formed the early atmosphere) and water vapour (condensed to form oceans)
Similar atmospheres at this point to Mars and Venus
Volcanoes also produced nitrogen which built up and formed methane and ammonia
CO2 levels decreased as it dissolved in oceans forming carbonates
How oxygen increased
Algae and plants photosynthesised producing oxygen
How carbon dioxide decreased
Algae and plants photosynthesised taking in carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide was also decreased by the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels that contain carbon
Greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life
E.g. water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane
Human activities increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Cattle farming
Burning fossil fuels
Global climate change effects
Glaciers and ice caps melting
Increase in sea levels
Habitats changing
Patterns of rainfall changing
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 carbon footprint
Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and methane
Atmospheric pollutants from fuels
Combustion of fossil fuels produce -
Carbon dioxide, water vapour, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
Carbon monoxide
A toxic gas which is colourless and odourless and therefore hard to detect
Sulphur dioxides + oxides of nitrogen
Causes respiratory problems in humans and cause acid rain
Particulates
Causes global dimming and health problems for humans
