Atmosphere Notes
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How does the atmosphere support life.
Gases for natural processes Absorption of electromagnetic radiation from the sun Delaying the escape of IR energy Heat distribution Ocean currents Transport of water vapour
Composition of the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Oxygen Carbon dioxide Ozone Rare and other gases
Structure of the atmosphere
Thermosphere Mesopause Mesosphere Stratosphere Stratopause Tropopause Troposphere
The natural greenhouse effect
• Visible light passes through atmosphere easily and is absorbed by the earth’s surface • The warm earth emits IR radiation which cannot pass through the atmosphere easily as it is absorbed by gases
The enhanced GH effect and GCC
Human activities are increasing the concentration of the GHG that absorb IR CO2 -combustion of FF and wood Methane (CH4) -landfill sites NOx -O2 and nitrogen from the air react at high temperatures e.g. vehicle engines CFCs -aerosols propellants Tropospheric ozone -photochemical breakdown of nitrogen and subsequent reactions with oxygen