The Atmosphere Flashcards
Describe the Differences in Gases Between the Early Atmosphere and the Current Atmosphere
-The amount of nitrogen has increased from 3% to 78%.
-The amount of oxygen has increased from 0% to 21%.
-The amount of carbon dioxide has decreased from 97% to 0.04%
Explain why the Percentage of Nitrogen in the Atmosphere has Increased
-When volcanoes erupted, they released ammonia (NH4)
-Bacteria converted the ammonia to nitrogen.
Explain why the Percentage of Oxygen in the Atmosphere has Increased
-Plants and algae have produced oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.
Explain why the Percentage of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere has Decreased
-Carbon dioxide is used by plants and algae for photosynthesis.
-Carbon dioxide is locked up in fossil fuels.
-Carbonates produced sediments. Carbon dioxide is locked up in these sedimentary rocks.
-Volcanic activity released water vapour. The water vapour condensed to form oceans. Carbon dioxide dissolved in the oceans
Explain how the Evolution of Animals and Plants Allowed for the Evolution of Animals
-When algae and plants evolved, they carried out photosynthesis.
-Photosynthesis produces oxygen gas.
-Animals need oxygen gas to release energy by aerobic respiration.
-So the evolution of algae and plants created the oxygen atmosphere needed for the evolution of animals.
State the Causes of the Three Main Greenhouse Gases
Carbon Dioxide, CO2- caused by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Methane, CH4- caused by intensive agriculture.
Water Vapour, H2O- caused by evaporating oceans and lakes.
Explain how Greenhous Gases Cause the Earth’s Temperature to Increase
-Short wavelength radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere without being absorbed by greenhouse
gases.
-The radiation is re-emitted from the Earth’s surface as longer wavelength radiation.
-Longer wavelength radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, increasing the amount of thermal energy within the atmosphere.
Describe the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
-The Sun radiates light and heat (short wavelength radiation- UV and visible light).
-This light and heat reaches the Earth. The heat that reaches the Earth warms its surface.
-The Earth emits some heat back (longer wavelength radiation- infrared). Most of the radiation returns to space.
-Greenhouse gases absorb some of the radiation, increasing the amount of thermal energy within the atmosphere.
-This causes an increase in global temperatures.
Explain why the Greenhouse Effect has Been Essential for the Development of the Earth
-Without the greenhouse effect, the temperature of the atmosphere would be much colder and most living organisms would not be able to survive.
-Because of the greenhouse effect, the temperature of the atmosphere is high enough to allow the Earth to support a massive range of living organisms.
State the Effects of Global Warming
-Sea level rise, which may cause flooding and increased coastal erosion.
-More frequent and severe storms.
-Changes in the amount, timing and distribution of rainfall.
-Temperature and water stress for humans and animals.
-Changes to the distribution of wildlife.
-Changes in the food producing capacity of some regions.
State Ways to Reduce a Carbon Footprint and the Issues With Them
Burn less fossil fuels to reduce carbon dioxide levels- it is hard to find reliable alternative energy resources.
Less intensive farming to reduce methane levels- there is a high demand for beef to feed the growing population.
Increasing recycling and reducing landfill use to reduce carbon dioxide and methane levels- can’t recycle everything and can involve burning fossil fuels.
-Increasing carbon capture and storage use to reduce carbon dioxide levels- expensive to do it.
Describe what is Meant an Atmospheric Pollutant
An atmospheric pollutant is a harmful chemical released into the atmosphere from human activity that has a significant impact on the world.
Describe the Causes and Impact of Carbon Dioxide, CO2
-Carbon dioxide is caused by the complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.
-Carbon dioxide pollutes the atmosphere as it contributes to global warming.
Describe the Causes and Impact of Carbon Monoxide, CO
-Carbon monoxide is caused by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.
-Carbon monoxide pollutes the atmosphere as it is toxic.
-It binds to the haemoglobin in blood that normally carries oxygen. Therefore, less oxygen is able to be transported around the body. This may lead to fainting or death.
-Carbon monoxide does not have a colour or smell so it is hard to detect.
Describe the Causes and Impact of Carbon Particulates (Soot), C
-Soot is caused by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels.
-Soot pollutes the atmosphere because it causes global dimming. This is because it reflects sunlight back into space so less light reaches Earth. Global dimming may affect rainfall patterns.
-If particulates are inhaled, they can also get stuck in the lungs and cause damage. This can lead to respiratory problems.
Describe the Causes and Impacts of Sulfur Dioxide, SO2
-Sulfur dioxide is formed by the complete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels that contain sulfur impurities.
-Sulfur dioxide pollutes the atmosphere because it can react with water and oxygen to form acid rain.
-Acid rain can damage trees. It can also corrode buildings made from limestone.
Describe the Causes and Impacts of Nitrogen Oxides, NOx
-Oxides of nitrogen are formed when oxygen and nitrogen in the air react together due to the high temperature inside of an engine.
-Oxides of nitrogen pollute the atmosphere because they can react with water and oxygen to form acid rain.
-Acid rain can damage trees. It can also corrode buildings made from limestone.
