chemistry of the atmosphere Flashcards
1
Q
what is our atmosphere made up of today?
A
nitrogen oxygen argon carbon dioxide other
2
Q
nitrogen %
A
78%
3
Q
oxygen %
A
21%
4
Q
argon %
A
0.9%
5
Q
carbon dioxide %
A
0.04%
6
Q
other gases %
A
0.06%
7
Q
increase of plants + algae has led to
A
an increase in oxygen levels
8
Q
decrease in carbon dioxide levels:
A
- plants use co2 in photosynthesis
- carbon becomes trapped in sedimentary rocks + fossil fuels
9
Q
greenhouse gases:
A
- carbon dioxide 20%
- water vapour 68%
- methane 7%
- ozone 5%
10
Q
impacts of global climate change:
A
- sea level rise (floods)
- frequent + severe storm
- heatwaves
- more droughts
- food shortages
11
Q
carbon footprints
A
total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that has emitted over its full life-cycle
12
Q
Carbon footprint can be reduced by
A
- solar power
- wasting less energy
13
Q
problems with carbon footprint
A
- Disagreement between scientists over causes and consequences of global climate change
- Lack of information and knowledge in population
- Reluctance of people to make lifestyle changes
- economic considerations
14
Q
early atmosphere
A
mostly carbon
little oxygen
15
Q
what made atmosphere change
A
- volcanoes release CO2 and water vapour
- water vapour condense into oceans
- rocks trap carbon
- algae evolved (photosynthesis)
- animals evolve
