C9

• What is the composition of the Earth's atmosphere?

  About 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen
• What gases make up less than one percent of the Earth's atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and noble gases
• What role did volcanic activity play in the early atmosphere?

  It created a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere
• How did algae and plants affect atmospheric composition?

  They reduced CO2 and increased oxygen levels
• What is the current theory about the evolution of the atmosphere based on?

  Evidence from the past 4.6 billion years
• What was the state of the Earth during the first billion years?

  The Earth was dry with intense volcanic activity
• What gases were produced by volcanic activity in the early atmosphere?

  Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen
• What happened to carbon dioxide as water vapor condensed?

  It dissolved in the oceans and formed sediments
• When did algae begin to appear in Earth's history?

  About 2.7 billion years ago
• What process do algae and green plants use to produce oxygen?

  Photosynthesis
• How did the evolution of algae and plants impact life on Earth?

  Allowed more complex life like animals to evolve
• What happens to algae and green plants when they die?

  They become buried and form sedimentary rock
• What types of substances are formed from buried organic material?

  Sedimentary rock, oil, and gas
• What is coal primarily made from?

  Thick deposits of dead plant material
• What is limestone primarily composed of?

  Calcium carbonate from marine organisms
• What are the key stages in the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere?

  • Intense volcanic activity produced CO2
  • Water vapor condensed to form oceans
  • Algae and plants evolved and photosynthesized
  • Decreased CO2 and increased oxygen levels
  • Formation of sedimentary rock and fossil fuels
• What is the overall composition of the current atmosphere?

  Mostly oxygen and nitrogen
• What is the significance of sedimentary rock and fossil fuels in the ground?

  They trap carbon and prevent it from escaping
• What is the main takeaway from the video about the Earth's atmosphere?

  It evolved through volcanic activity and photosynthesis
• What are the two terms often used interchangeably regarding climate issues?

  Global warming and climate change
• What is the role of the atmosphere in relation to the Earth's temperature?

  It acts like an insulating blanket
• How does the sun's heat energy reach the Earth?

  In the form of short wavelength radiation
• What happens to the sun's heat energy after it hits the Earth's surface?

  Some is absorbed, most is re-emitted
• What is the process by which energy is absorbed and re-emitted by gas particles in the atmosphere?

  It happens repeatedly, keeping heat close
• What are greenhouse gases?

  Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The warming caused by greenhouse gases
• What human activities are increasing carbon dioxide levels?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• How do farm animals contribute to methane levels?

  They produce methane during digestion
• What is a significant source of methane from waste?

  Decomposition by microorganisms
• Why is it difficult to predict the consequences of global warming?

  There are many variables to consider
• What does climate change refer to?

  Effects of global warming on climate
• How does climate differ from weather?

  Climate describes long-term weather patterns
• What are some consequences of global warming?

  Increased frequency of extreme weather events
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water
• What impact does climate change have on biodiversity?

  It may lead to a dramatic fall in biodiversity
• Why might some species not survive climate change?

  They can't adapt or migrate fast enough
• What are the main causes of global warming?

  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Methane emissions from livestock
  • Waste decomposition
• What are the consequences of climate change?

  • More frequent extreme weather events
  • Sea level rise due to ice melting
  • Changes in rainfall patterns
  • Impact on biodiversity and species survival
• What is the difference between global warming and climate change?

  • Global warming: Increase in Earth's average temperature
  • Climate change: Broader effects on climate patterns
• What is the main topic of today's video?

  Carbon footprints