C13 - Earth's atmosphere Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the atmosphere?
A layer of gas surrounding Earth
What was the early atmosphere composed of?
Mostly carbon dioxide
How did the oceans form?
Water vapor condensing as the Earth cooled
How did carbon dioxide levels decrease to today’s levels?
Dissolved in oceans, photosynthesis, fossil fuels
When did life start to appear?
About 2.7 billion
How much has the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere changed over time?
Increased slowly
What is the current composition of the atmosphere?
80% Nitrogen
20% Oxygen
Traces of carbon dioxide and other gases
What is a greenhouse gas?
A gas that traps radiation from the sun
Name three greenhouse gases
Methane, carbon dioxide, water vapour
How have humans increased CO2 levels?
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation
How have humans increased methane levels?
Rice farming, cattle farming
What is global warming?
The increase of the average global temperature
What is climate change?
The change in long-term weather patterns across the planet
What are some effects of climate change?
- Sea levels rising
- Extreme weather
- Rainfall
- Ice caps melting
What is a carbon footprint?
The amount of carbon a product, process or person has released over its lifetime
What are hazards associated with carbon monoxide?
- Colourless, odourless
- Toxic
- Binds to haemoglobin in place of O2
How is carbon monoxide produced?
Incomplete combustion
What are hazards associated with particulates?
- Global dimming
- Respiratory issues
- Potential to cause cancer
How are particulates formed?
Incomplete combustion
What are hazards associated with sulfur dioxide?
- Acid rain
- Respiratory issues
How is sulfur dioxide formed?
Sulfur impurities in fossil fuels react with oxygen during combustion
What are hazards associated with oxides of nitrogen?
- Acid rain
- Respiratory issues
How are oxides of nitrogen formed?
Atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen react in the heat of a combustion engine
