Non- schol. art. 3 Study Notes on Carbon Dioxide and Its Importance

Carbon Dioxide in Earth's Atmosphere

• Abundance in the Atmosphere:

  • Fourth most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere.

• Sources of Carbon Dioxide:

  • Released by:

  • Volcanoes

  • Respiration

  • Combustion

  • Decay

• Photosynthesis:

  • Plants convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates through photosynthesis.

• Role of Oceans:

  • The world's oceans act as a buffer for carbon dioxide, absorbing the majority of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

• Health Impact:

  • Normal levels of carbon dioxide do not pose health hazards to humans.

• Climate Influence:

  • Carbon dioxide is significant in maintaining Earth's climate.

  • Molecules of carbon dioxide capture infrared wavelength light (heat) radiated from Earth's surface.

  • This action raises the planet's temperature to levels suitable for sustaining life.

  • This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect.

• Global Climate Change:

  • Excessive levels of carbon dioxide, due to anthropogenic (human) activities, contribute to global climate change.

• Measurement of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide:

  • As of January 2024, measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii indicated that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached 422.31 ppm (parts per million).