Unit 6.1 Introduction to the atmosphere

Question 1

What is the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Layer of gases (usually called air) surrounding the Earth.

Can be considered a system, with inputs, outputs, storages and flows.

Heat and pollutants are carried
across the Earth by air currents in the atmosphere.

Question 2

Compositor of the atmosphere

Answer 2

• Nitrogen (78%)
• Oxygen (21 %)
• Argon (0.93%)
• Carbon dioxide (0.04%)
• Trace amounts of neon, helium, methane, krypton and hydrogen, as well as water vapor

Question 3

Vertical structure of the
atmosphere

Answer 3

1. Thermosphere
2. Mesosphere
3. Stratosphere
4. Troposphere

Question 4

The greenhouse effect

Answer 4

natural and necessary phenomenon maintaining suitable temperatures for living systems on Earth.

Without = no life on Earth

Question 5

Greenhouse gases

Answer 5

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases.

Question 6

4 GHG

Answer 6

Carbon Dioxide:
Burning fossil fuels
GWP is 1

Methane:
Agriculture
GWP times 28-36

Ozone:
Created by chemical reactions between NOx and VOCs
GWP is complex

Sulphur Dioxide:
Produced by the combustion of fossil fuels