P2: Earth's Atmosphere Flashcards

1
Q

What was the Earth’s early atmosphere formed by?

A

Volcanic activity. These volcanoes released the gases that formed the atmosphere.

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2
Q

What was the early atmosphere primarily composed of?

A

Carbon Dioxide and water vapour. Nitrogen also, and small amounts of methane and ammonia.

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3
Q

What happened to the water vapour in the Earth’s early atmosphere?

A

Condensed to form the oceans as the Earth cooled.

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4
Q

What happened to the Carbon Dioxide in the Earth’s early atmosphere?

A

-Carbon Dioxide dissolved into the oceans to form a weak acid, reacted with minerals in the sea to form precipitates.
-Over time, precipitates formed sediments of carbonate rock on the sea bed.
-Carbon Dioxide in the sea was used to make coral and shells of animals. Formed sedimentary rock, like limestone.
-Photosynthetic algae evolved in the oceans, producing oxygen. Plants evolved to produce more oxygen.
-Carbon became trapped in fossil fuels.

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5
Q

When did photosynthetic algae first evolve in the oceans?

A

3 billion years ago.

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6
Q

What did photosynthetic plants and algae do?

A

Reduced Carbon Dioxide levels, increased Oxygen levels to the point where animals could evolve.

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7
Q

What does the Earth’s current atmosphere primarily consist of?

A

Nitrogen (80%)
Oxygen (19%)
Other gases (1%)

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8
Q

How do we reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

A

Reducing the use of fossil fuels, mainly by using alternative sources of energy, and conserving energy.

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9
Q

State the effects of the mean temperature of the Earth increasing.

A

-Polar ice caps melting
-Sea levels rising
-Patterns of rainfall changing
-Frequent and intense droughts
-Higher intensity storms
-Extreme heat waves and rainfall

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10
Q

Explain why the increase in population causes the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

A

As world population increases, the demand for electricity and heating increases, so more fossil fuels are being burnt. This leads to an increase in Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.

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11
Q

Explain why the increase in world population caused the increase in the concentration of methane in the atmosphere.

A

Population increases, so the demand for food increase, so scale of agriculture increases. More methane is being released into the atmosphere by livestock

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12
Q

Why don’t some scientists accept the theory that the temperature of the Earth has increased because of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

A

-Greenhouse gases absorb only a small part of the radiation emitted by Earth

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13
Q

What happens when hydrocarbon fuels are burnt in plenty of air?

A

The Carbon and Hydrogen in the fuel are completely oxidised. They produce Carbon Dioxide and Water.

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14
Q

When Sulphur impurities in fuels are burnt, what do they form?

A

Sulphur Dioxide, which can cause acid rain.

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15
Q

What does Sulphur Dioxide do (in relation to environmental damage)?

A

Causes acid rain.

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16
Q

What does soot cause (in relation to environmental damage)?

A

Global dimming.

17
Q

What is the main reason as to why the amount of Carbon Dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere has risen in the recent past?

A

The large amount of fossil fuels being burnt.

18
Q

What are the 3 main greenhouse gases?

A

Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapour and Methane.

19
Q

How do greenhouse gases lead to global warming?

A

Greenhouse gases absorb long wave radiation, stopping it travelling back out into space, making it touch the Earth’s surface again increasing the temperature

20
Q

Explain how reducing the amount of sulphur in fossil fuels reduces the erosion of limestone.

A

When the sulphur dissolves in water, Sulphur Dioxide is formed, which causes acid rain. If we reduce the amount of sulphur, we reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide in the air, making the rain less acidic, and reduces the erosion of limestone.

21
Q

Nitrogen passes through car engines. Explain why oxides of nitrogen are formed in car engines.

A

Car engines work at high temperatures, so the nitrogen and oxygen from the air react with eachother in the engine.

22
Q

What are the key two main activities that increase carbon dioxide levels?

A

Deforestation and burning fossil fuels.

23
Q

What are the two key activities that increase methane levels?

A

Animal farming and rice farming.