Atmosphere Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the main components of the Earth’s atmosphere?
The main components are:
* Nitrogen (78%)
* Oxygen (21%)
* Argon (0.93%)
* Carbon Dioxide (0.04%)
* Other gases (trace amounts)
The percentages are approximate and can vary slightly due to environmental factors.
What is the primary gas in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the atmosphere.
What percentage of the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of oxygen?
21%
Oxygen is essential for respiration in most living organisms.
What was the composition of the early Earth’s atmosphere primarily made of?
The early Earth’s atmosphere was primarily made of:
* Carbon Dioxide
* Water Vapor
* Ammonia
* Methane
This composition was significantly different from today’s atmosphere.
Fill in the blank: The Earth’s atmosphere evolved due to _______ and biological processes.
geological
Geological processes include volcanic activity and outgassing.
True or False: The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has remained constant over geological time.
False
The concentration of carbon dioxide has varied significantly due to natural processes and human activity.
What role do plants play in the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis
This process is crucial for maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
What is the significance of the ozone layer in the atmosphere?
The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun
It is located in the stratosphere and plays a critical role in shielding living organisms.
List the factors that contribute to the evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere.
The factors include:
* Volcanic activity
* Photosynthesis
* Respiration
* Chemical weathering
* Human activities
These processes can alter the composition and quality of the atmosphere over time.
What is the current trend in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?
The current trend is an increase in carbon dioxide levels
This increase is primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
Fill in the blank: The greenhouse effect is caused by _______ gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.
greenhouse
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
What is the primary composition of the Earth’s atmosphere?
The Earth’s atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).
What are trace gases in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Trace gases include argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases that make up less than 1% of the atmosphere.
How has the Earth’s atmosphere evolved over time?
The Earth’s atmosphere has evolved from a primordial atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide and ammonia to the current composition.
What role do plants play in the atmosphere?
Plants contribute to the atmosphere by photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide into oxygen.
What is the significance of the ozone layer?
The ozone layer protects living organisms by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
