Earths atmosphere

• How long ago did the Earth form?

  4.6 billion years
• What was the early atmosphere of Earth primarily composed of?

  Mostly carbon dioxide
• How does the early atmosphere of Earth compare to Mars and Venus today?

  Similar in being mostly carbon dioxide
• What gases were released by volcanic activity in Earth's early atmosphere?

  Nitrogen, water vapour, methane, ammonia
• What process formed the oceans from water vapour in the atmosphere?

  Condensation of water vapour
• How did carbon dioxide levels decrease in the early atmosphere?

  Dissolved in oceans and formed carbonates
• What organisms evolved to absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis?

  Green plants and algae
• What happens to marine organisms after they die?

  They become sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels
• What are fossil fuels made from?

  Coal, crude oil, and natural gas
• What is coal primarily made from?

  Thick plant deposits
• What is limestone primarily composed of?

  Calcium carbonate deposits
• What is the equation for photosynthesis?

  carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
• When did algae evolve?

  About 2.7 billion years ago
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen today?

  Approximately 80%
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Warming caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat
• Which gases are considered greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour
• How do greenhouse gases affect Earth's temperature?

  They absorb long wavelength radiation
• What human activities increase greenhouse gas levels?

  Deforestation, burning fossil fuels, agriculture
• What is the link between carbon dioxide and climate change?

  Extra CO₂ from humans causes temperature rise
• What is a carbon footprint?

  Measure of greenhouse gas emissions
• Why is measuring carbon footprints difficult?

  Many factors and life cycle stages involved
• What are methods to reduce carbon footprints?

  • Use renewable energy sources
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Tax emissions from companies
  • Capture CO₂ before release
• What challenges exist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

  Economic growth concerns and technology development
• What are the consequences of climate change on polar ice caps?

  Melting ice caps cause sea level rise
• How does climate change affect rainfall patterns?

  Causes regions to get too much or too little water
• What impact does climate change have on wild species?

  Affects their distribution and habitats
• Why is it difficult to make international agreements on emissions reduction?

  Not all countries agree on the necessity
• What is the role of peer-reviewed evidence in climate science?

  Ensures reliability of scientific information
• What is the main cause of increased average temperatures on Earth?

  Extra carbon dioxide from human activity
• What is the significance of Antarctic ice cores in studying the atmosphere?

  They show how atmospheric composition has changed
• What is the composition of the atmosphere today?

  Approximately 80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen
• What is the impact of climate change on food production?

  May affect regions' ability to produce food
• How does the greenhouse effect contribute to global warming?

  Traps heat, raising Earth's surface temperature
• What are the potential dangers of climate change?

  Increased flooding, food shortages, and species loss
• What is the role of technology in reducing carbon emissions?

  Captures CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere
• What is the relationship between agriculture and methane emissions?

  Agriculture increases methane through livestock
• How does deforestation impact carbon dioxide levels?

  Reduces CO₂ absorption, increasing atmospheric levels
• What is the significance of sedimentary rocks in carbon storage?

  They trap carbon from ancient organisms
• What is the main source of natural gas?

  Deposits of plankton
• How do changes in temperature affect wild species?

  They lead to changes in species distribution