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What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen gas?
Around 80%
What percentage of the atmosphere is oxygen gas?
Around 20%
What percentage of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide, water vapour and noble gases?
Small amounts
Describe the atmosphere of the early Earth (2)
To begin with, it was mainly made up of carbon dioxide with trace amounts of methane, ammonia, water vapour, nitrogen and little to no oxygen
Nitrogen was then produced in volcanic eruptions and built up in the atmosphere
How has the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
Increased
How has the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
Decreased
How has the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere changed from the early atmosphere to today?
Increased
How old is the Earth?
4.6 billion years old
How did the amount of carbon dioxde in the atmosphere decrease? (4)
Dissolved in the oceans
Formed carbonate compounds in oceans eg. calcium carbonate (as sedimentary rock or shells)
Used by plants in photosynthesis
“Locked up” in rocks and fossil fuels when things die
Why did lots of carbon dioxide dissolve in the oceans?
It is very soluble
How were oceans formed? (2)
Water vapour condensed as the Earth cooled and fell as rain
The rain collected to form oceans
How did the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere increase?
Algae photosynthesised which created oxygen gas
Name three greenhouse gases
carbon dioxide
methane
water vapour
How has the global temperature changed in recent decades?
Increased
How has the abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere changed?
Increased
What human activities release greenhouse gases? (4)
Deforestation
Burning fossil fuels
Agriculture
Creating waste
Describe how deforestation leads to the greenhouse effect (3)
Trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis
Fewer trees means less carbon dioxide can be removed
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas
Describe how burning fossil fuels leads to the greenhouse effect (2)
Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas
Describe how agriculture leads to the greenhouse effect (2)
Farm animals release methane
Methane is a greenhouse gas
Describe how creating waste leads to the greenhouse effect (2)
Carbon dioxide and methane are released at landfill sites when waste decomposes
Both are greenhouse gases
What is global warming?
The increase in the average temperature of the Earth
What is climate change?
The long term change in weather patterns
What is the link between global warming and climate change?
Global warming leads to climate change
Why is the evidence linking gloal warming to climate change reliable?
It is peer reviewed
Why do many people not accept the evidence on climate change?
It is difficult to model complex systems such as global climate change
State four effects of climate change
Rising sea levels
More extreme weather conditions (storms and droughts)
Changes in the distribution of wildlife
Changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures
What is the carbon footprint?
The amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the life cycle of something
How can the carbon footprint be reduced?
Reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and methane
How could emissions of carbon dioxide and methane be reduced? (3)
Use renewable energy resources instead of fossil fuels
Recycle more to avoid waste being sent to landfill
Reduce waste
How is carbon monoxide released into the atmosphere?
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
What harmful effects does carbon monoxide have?
Prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen
Leads to death
What are particulates?
Solid particles such as unburnt carbon
Why are particulates harmful? (2)
Cause respiratory problems
Cause global dimming
What is global dimming?
The reduction in radiation reaching the Earth's surface from the sun
How are particulates released into the atmosphere?
Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels
What is soot?
Unburnt carbon
How is sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere?
Combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities
What harmful effects does sulfur dioxide cause? (2)
Acid rain
Respiratory problems
How are nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere?
The reaction between oxygen and nitrogen caused by the heat of car engines
What harmful effects do nitrogen oxides cause? (2)
Acid rain
Respiratory problems
Why is carbon monoxide not easily detected?
It is colourless and odourless
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