The Evolution Of The Atmosphere Flashcards
What gases where in the earths early atmosphere?
Water vapour Ammonia Methane CO2 FROM VOLCANOS
How much oxygen in today’s atmosphere?
21%
How much CO2 in today’s atmosphere?
0.037%
How much argon?
0.9%
How much nitrogen?
78%
How have O2 and CO2 levels changed?
Volcanos release CO2 and water vapour. Water vapour condenses- oceans. CO2 dissolves into ocean. Photosynthesis by plants makes O2. Levels of CO2 decrease. Oxygen increases.
Why has CO2 decreased?
Dissolved into the ocean
Got compressed and locked up in fossil fuels and sedimentary rock.
Some taken in by plants for photosynthesis.
Some used to form fossil shells.
What is global warming?
A gradual increase of temp over time of the earth’s atmosphere, linked to the greenhouse effect
What is the greenhouse effect?
Shortwave solar radiation passes through atmosphere.
Longwave infared is reflected back at the earth.
Some longwave us absorbed by greenhouse particles and emitted back at the earth.
This warms the earths surface and lowers the atmosphere.
Where is CO2 from?
Fossil fuels
Deforestation
Where is methane from?
Meat production,
agriculture,
land fill
What are the effects of climate change?
Polar ice caps melting, sea levels rise
Species extinct
Changes in rainfall
Changes in species distribution
Sulfur dioxide?
Burning coal.
Leads to acid rain.
Carbon monoxide?
When a fuel burning doesn’t have enough oxygen
Leads to poisoning
Nitrogen oxide?
Combustion of petrol
Leads to global dimming
