The Atmosphere (The Physical Environment)

The atmosphere

A vital layer of gases surrounding the earth crucial for supporting life forms and regulating climate

How does the atmosphere deflect UV radiation

The ozone layer deflects harmful UV radiation from the Earths surface

Troposphere

Lowest layer of the atmosphere where wether phenomena occur and it’s closest to the earths surface

Stratosphere

Layer universal the troposphere where ozone layer is located playing a crucial role in absorbing/deflecting UV radiation

Mesosphere

The layer above the stratosphere characterised by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude

Thermosphere

Uppermost layer of the atmosphere closest to the sun where temps rise significantly due to the absorption of solar radiation

Global energy budget

A graphical representation of the distribution and balance of different wavelengths of light in the earths atmosphere illustrating the energy exchanges within the system

UV light

A form of solar radiation with shorter wavelengths capable of causing genetic mutations and eye damage in living organisms

Infrared

Type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by objects and the ground as heat trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to global warming

Albedo

The measure of the reflectivity of the earths surface influencing the absorption of ultraviolet energy and the regulation of the planets temps

Resources we rely on biodiversity for

Wood, fibres such as silk cotton wool, oils, medicine, food, fuel

Exponential population growth

The rapid increase in human population highlighting the necessity of maintaining biodiversity to sustain food resources for a healthy and balanced diet

Physiological research

Studying organisms to understand human health problems and potentiometer medicines often involving strict regulations on animal testing

Which process relies on oxygen from the atmosphere

Aerobic respiration

Which process relies on nitrogen gas from the atmosphere

Protein synthesis

How is hear distributed from the equator?

Winds, ocean currents,

Which gases are used in the Haber process to create artificial fertiliser

Nitrogen, hydrogen

Which has is the product of anaerobic respiration

Methane

Define inert

unreactive

How the atmosphere supports life

Gases for natural processes

Absorption of electromagnetic radiation and prevention by oxygen/ozone in the stratosphere

Delay escape of IR as most visible light is absorbed converted to heat then remitted raising earths temps by the atmosphere emoting the energy or atmosphere reducing heat loss by conduction

Heat distribution eg. South westerly winds provide heat for UK from Caribbean

Ocean currents- wind creates currents that distribute heat/nutrients eg. North Atlantic Conveyer

Water vapour- winds transport water vapour to areas that would otherwise get little precipitation

Pressure- controls how water molecules can evaporate and escape the surface, if lower there wouldn’t be liquid