earth and atmospheric science

Cards (9)

  • earths early atmosphere was formed by gases released from volcanic activity and the breakdown of organic matter
  • as the earth cooled down after volcanic eruptions the water vapour (steam) condensed and fell as rain filling up hollows in solid crust forming oceans
  • CO2CO_2 dissolved in oceans, then concentrated into shells of sea creatures as calcium carbonate therefore the amount of carbon dioxide in the earths atmosphere decreased when oceans were formed
  • the growth of primitive plants used carbon dioxide and released oxygen due to photosynthesis therefore the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increased over time
  • chemical test for oxygen
    use a glowing splint inserted in the test tube of the gas, the splint should be relit if oxygen is present
  • the greenhouse effect
    • the sun rays enter the earths atmosphere as short wave radiation
    • the earth absorbs this radiation but long wave radiation is emitted back from the earths surface
    • some radiation passes back out to space
    • some is absorbed by carbon dioxide and trapped within the earths atmosphere causing it to get hotter
  • human activity causing climate change
    • increase in consumption of fossil fuels therefore an increase in CO2CO_2as it was trapped inside the fossils, therefore it contributes to the greenhouse effect
    • deforestation, trees are carbon stores and cutting them down emits CO2CO_2 back into the atmosphere
  • todays atmosphere
    nitrogen (78%)
    oxygen (21%)
    other gases (<1%)(carbon dioxide, argon)
  • the potential effects on the climate of increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane
    carbon dioxide
    • burning fossil fuels
    • vehicles
    • deforestation
    methane
    • raising livestock
    • decay of organic waste