topic 9: chemistry of the atmoshpere Flashcards
describe the proportions of gases in the modern atmosphere
80% of Nitrogen
20% of oxygen
small quantities of co2 H20 and noble gases
describe the earths early atmosphere and how it was formed
a) the earth was hot when it was formed
b) there was significant volcanic activity
c)gases have been released from these volcanoes
d)these gases included co2,n2,ch4,nh3,h20
how did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase
algae and plants produced the atmospheric o2 by photosynthesis
as the amount of gradually o2 increased there was more plants that produced more oxygen
how do the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase
a) some co2 was dissolved in oceans where it reacted with metal ions to form insoluble carbonated a or was take in by animals to become part of skeleton,when animal died this becomes sedimentary rock
b) some co2 was used in photosynthesis to make oxygen
what is the greenhouse effect
what are greenhouse gases
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere maintain temperatures on earth high enough to support life
they all short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through the atmosphere to the earth surface ,but absorb the outgoing long wavelength radiation from the earth causing an increase in temperature
water vapour ,carbon dioxide and methane
why is the greenhouse effect necessary for life
the greenhouse effect is natural phenomenon
without ur the earth would be too cold for life to exist
how have human activities led to an increase in greenhouse gases
carbon dioxide -combustion and deforestation
methane-increase farming and decomposition in landfills
what are the potential effects of global climate change
sea level rise ,which may cause flooding and increase coastal erosion
more frequent and severe storms
changes in the amount of,timing and distribution of rainfall
temperature and water stress for humans and wildlife
changes in food producing capacity of some regions
changes to the distribution of wildlife species
what is carbon footprint
a carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product ,service or event
what actions can be taken to traduce carbon footprint
increase use of alternative energy supplies
energy conversation
carbon capture and storage
carbon taxes and licenses
carbon off setting including through tree planting carbon neutrality -zeros net release
what are the issues regarding sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen
sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen cause respiratory problems in and cause acid rain
acid rain damages plants and buildings
what problems do particulates cause
particulates such as carbon particles cause global dimming by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth surface .
particulates cause health problems for humans because of damage to the lungs
