The Evolution of the Atmosphere Flashcards
(21 cards)
How did volcanoes construct Earth’s early atmosphere?
Intense volcanic activity released gases forming the early atmosphere. Volcanoes also produced nitrogen, gradually building up in the atmosphere and small proportions of methane and ammonia.
How did water vapour from volcanoes construct Earth’s early atmosphere?
Water vapour condensed to form the oceans, when the oceans formed carbon dioxide dissolved in the water and carbonates were precipitated producing sediments, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Which two planets have similar atmospheres to Earth’s early atmosphere?
Similar to the atmospheres of Mars and Venus today, consisting of mainly carbon dioxide with little or no oxygen gas.
What are the main compositions of the current atmosphere?
80% Nitrogen
20% Oxygen
0.04% Carbon dioxide
>0.01% Water vapour and Noble gases.
What were the compositions of Earth’s early atmosphere?
70% Carbon dioxide
20% Water vapour
10% Other gases: Ammonia, Methane and Noble gases.
Which process is responsible for producing oxygen?
Photosynthesis.
What are the three carbon sinks that have absorbed/removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Sedimentary carbonate rocks (limestone), dissolving in oceans and fossil fuels.
What are the three greenhouse gases?
Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour.
What are two human activities increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
What is the greenhouse effect?
When short wavelength radiation enters the atmosphere, it is absorbed by materials and re-emitted as a longer wavelength radiation, which is absorbed/trapped by greenhouse gases stopping radiation escaping the atmosphere.
What are the five atmospheric pollutants?
Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
What are the effects of carbon dioxide?
It contributes to the greenhouse effect.
What are the effects of carbon monoxide?
It is a colourless, odourless, toxic gas.
What are the effects of particulates?
They contribute towards global dimming.
What are the effects of sulphur dioxide?
Acid rain and respiratory problems.
What are the effects of nitrogen oxides?
Respiratory problems and a risk of acid rain.
How is sulphur dioxide formed?
Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities.
How is nitrogen oxides formed?
Combustion of fuels at high temperatures and where atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen react.
What are the consequences of climate change?
Hotter temperatures, more frequent and severe storms and increased droughts.
What is the carbon footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions.
How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
Managing energy consumption, transportation, diet, waste management, including using renewable energy, reducing meat consumption and opting for public transport or cycling.
