Chenistry of the Atmosphere

A theory suggests that the early atmosphere was comprised of gases from intense volcanic activity which released a large amount of CO2, with small amounts of ammonia and methane, as well as nitrogen

Nitrogen makes up approximately 80% of the atmosphere. Oxygen makes up approximately 20% with other gases like CO2, water vapour and noble gases 1%

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, as the combine CO2 and water to produce oxygen and glucose

Algae, which supposedly photosynthesised to produce oxygen which gradually built up in the atmosphere

Carbon dioxide is a soluble gas, and therefore dissolved into the ocean as it formed to create carbonate compounds. Carbonate compounds were then precipitated as sedimentary rocks

Carbon dioxide absorbed from the oceans into algae and plants. These were turned into crude oil, coal and natural gas over million of years under heat and pressure.

Water vapour Carbon dioxide Methane

Greenhouse gases absorb energy radiated from the earth and release energy in all directions which warms the Earth

EM radiation at most wavelengths passes through the atmosphere. The Earth absorbs this and warms up. The Earth radiates energy as infrared radiation, some of which is absorbed by greenhouse gases. As a result, the lower atmosphere warms up.

Farming cattle which releases methane Paddy rice farming releases methane Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 Deforestation releases CO2 and reduces the absorption of CO2

The vast majority of scientists believe that humans are responsible for increases in greenhouse gases. This is because evidence in peer reviewed journals indicate this theory.

See who did the research and whether they are trustworthy and skilled See who funded the research See which organisation is reporting the evidence

Climate is average weather conditions over longer periods and over large areas. Weather is the day to day conditions in a specific region

The earth has undergone several ice ages and interglacial periods, which were all caused by volcanic activity and changes in energy from the sun. This was until 200 years ago.

Global warming describes the warming of the earth over the past 200 years, believed to be caused by human activities

Glaciers and polar ice caps melting Sea levels rising Habitats changing Patterns of rainfall changing, creating floods/droughts

The total amount of CO2 emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event

When lots of oxygen is present, complete combustion occurs as the carbon is fully oxidised to form CO2

When there is not lots of oxygen atoms, incomplete combustion takes place as the carbon cannot be fully oxidised. This forms carbon monoxide.

It produces CO, which is a poisonous gas which binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells and prevents them from carrying oxygen to your body cells. Carbon particulates can also cause asthma or cancer due to lung irritation

CO2 - any complete combustion of fuel containing carbon CO - incomplete combustion of a fuel containing carbon Soot - incomplete combustion of a fuel containing carbon

Sulfur dioxide is created when sulfur is oxidised

Sulfur trioxide is created when sulfur dioxide is further oxidised

When sulfur trioxide combines with water, it forms sulfuric acid which can be diluted into acid rain which damages plants, animals and man made objects