Chemistry of the Atmosphere

• Phase 1 of the evolution of the atmosphere was volcanic eruption releasing nitrogen, ammonia and methane
• Phase 2 involved water vapour condensing in the atmosphere to form oceans and carbon dioxide dissolving into these oceans
• Phase 3-Green Plants and Algae evolved, and the first photosynthetic organisms appeared.
• The oxygen produced by plants during photosynthesis accumulated in the atmosphere as there were no other sources of oxygen at this time.
• Greenhouse Gasses absorb long wavelengths of radiation and re-radiate it in all directions.
• Long wave-length radiation is thermal radiation and heats the surface of the earth
• Climate Change causes ice caps to melt, climate patterns to change and frequency of storms may increase
• Carbon Footprints are tricky to measure because of the many factors affecting it
• Reducing Carbon footprints are expensive and difficult to implement.
• Renewable energy sources and caps on fossil fuel emissions are ways to reduce a carbon footprint
• Combustion of Fossil Fuels lead to increased air pollution
• Incomplete combustion can result in particulates of carbon and carbon monoxide being released
• Sulphur Dioxide is released during the combustion of fossil fuels and oxidises with the air
• Nitrogen Oxides are formed when nitrogen reacts with oxygen at high temperatures, such as those found in car engines or power stations
• Nitrogen oxides are created when nitrogen and oxygen react in the presence of heat such as in car engines
• Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides are gases that are released into the atmosphere and contribute to acid rain and respiratory problems in humans