C13 - The Earth's Atmosphere
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How was the earth’s earthly atmosphere formed?
From volcanic activity.
What did the earth’s early atmosphere mainly consist of? (Probably)
Carbon dioxide. Maybe alps nitrogen and water vapour, methane and ammonia.
How have scientists constructed an image of what they think the earth’s early atmosphere was like?
Gas bubbles trapped in rock.
How did oxygen levels increase in the earth’s early atmosphere?
As plants (algae and bacteria) spread across the earth, they released oxygen as a product of photosynthesis.
How did the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere decrease?
• Photosynthesis * the formation of sedimentary rocks that contain carbon - removing it from the atmosphere.
What rough percentage of the earth’s atmosphere is…? • nitrogen • oxygen
• 80% * 20%
What gasses are found in the atmosphere today?
• Noble Gasses • nitrogen • oxygen • carbon dioxide • argon • water vapour • etc.
How was methane and ammonia in the earth’s early atmosphere removed?
Reacting with oxygen formed as a product of photosynthesis.
Main greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour.
What is meant by the term ‘greenhouse gas’?
Trap heat that is reflected back into space by the earth’s surface. Gases which allow short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation to pass through, but that absorb infrared radiation, which stimulate the molecules to vibrate, bend and stretch causing a rise in temperature.
Temperature the earth would be without greenhouse gases?
-19 degrees
Effects of global warming?
• rising sea levels - melting ice caps • increasingly common extreme weather events • changes of temperature • changes in wildlife distribution • changes in rainfall patterns
D. Carbon footprint?
The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses emitted over its full life cycle.
Products of burning hydrocarbons? (In excess air)
Carbon + hydrogen are completely oxidised. Carbon dioxide and water.
How can acid rain be caused by burning fuels?
Sulfur impurities burn to form sulfurdioxide
What is produced if you burn hydrocarbons in insufficient oxygen?
Carbon monoxide.
What happens when nitrogen reacts at high temperatures?
Reacts with air to form oxides of nitrogen, which can cause breathing problems and acid rain.