The composition of the atmosphere
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What is the atmosphere
• a layer of gas or layers of gases that envelope a planet, and is held in place by the gravity of the planetary body
Name some important natural processes that contribute to atmospheric gases
• photosynthesis • respiration
Define the term: dynamic equilibrium
• things change all the time but there is no observable change in the system
Explain what happens in the process of photosynthesis
• plants take in CO2 from the atmosphere and water • due to the high light availability, the plant produces glucose and oxygen • the oxygen is then released into the atmosphere
Explain what happens during respiration
• humans and animals take in oxygen and glucose • they respire, and give out carbon dioxide and produce water
When do plants respire
• all the time, whether it is dark or light
When is the rate of photosynthesis at its greatest
• when there is higher light intensity • when temperatures are high
When is the rate of respiration greater then the rate of photosynthesis
• when there is no light • sometimes in the winter
Define transpiration
• process of water movement through a plant in which water is lost as water vapor from the aerial parts of the plants through stomata
Does the temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the troposphere
• decreases
Does the temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the stratosphere
• increases
Does the temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the mesosphere
• decreases
Does the temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the thermosphere
• increases
What causes the temperature to increase with height through the stratosphere
• due to the ozone layer being there that captures radiation
What causes the decrease with height through the mesosphere
• because there is no ozone layer there for protection
What causes the temperature to decrease with height in the troposphere
• troposphere is warned from below through absorption and re-emission of incoming solar radiation by the earths surface
Define the term stratosphere
• is a layer of the earth’s atmosphere. it is the second layer of the earths atmosphere as you go upward
Define the term troposphere
• the lowest layer is right below the stratosphere
Define the term ozone
• an orderless, colourless gas made up of 3 oxygen molecules and is a natural part of the environment
How do air density change with altitude
• higher at lower altitudes • more space between air molecules at increased altitudes
How do air pressure change with altitude
• as altitude increases pressure decreases
How does the atmosphere support life
• aquatic species rely on dissolved oxygen • creates pressure for liquid water • protects us from harmful radiation