Earth's Atmosphere

All the information you need for AQA about the earth's atmosphere, both in early years and in present day.

?

Earth's Early Atmosphere

Percentages

Carbon dioxide: 95%

Water vapour: 4%

Methane: 0.5%

Ammonia: 0.5%

1 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

Billions of years ago on Earth, there was lots of volcanic activity.

2 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

This released the gases which made up the atmosphere.

3 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

It was a lot like the composition of Mars or Venus.

4 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

Gradually, water vapour in the air condensed to form oceans.

5 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

Green plants evolved - which absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen during photosynthesis.

6 of 13

Earth's Early Atmosphere

Carbon dioxide became locked up in fossil fuels, plants and sedimentary rocks, especially limestone.

7 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

Percentages:

Nitrogen: 80%

Oxygen: 20%

Carbon dioxide: Trace

Water vapour/ Noble gases: Trace

8 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

In the present day atmosphere, oxygen is produced by plants.

9 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

Carbon dioxide is dissolved in the oceans; this affects marine life.

10 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels are burnt.

11 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

Scientists are constantly monitoring the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

12 of 13

Earth's Present Day Atmosphere

Burning fossil fuels increases the level of carbon dioxide and causes global warming.

13 of 13

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Chemistry resources:

See all Chemistry resources »See all The earth and its atmosphere resources »