Evolution of the earth's atmosphere

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1. Why is there only limited evidence about the Earth's early atmosphere?
it's hard to gather evidence from such a long time ago (4.6 million years)
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2. what was the earth's early atmosphere like?
it was mainly carbon dioxide, no oxygen. Volcanoes also released nitrogen, water vapour, methane and ammonia. Similar to mars and Venus today
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3. how did the oceans form?
the earth cooled, water vapour condensed and fell as rain, forming the oceans
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4. How did carbon dioxide get removed from the atmosphere?
disolved in oceans, photosynthesis of algae. Carbon became locked up in rocks and fossil fuels
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5. How do fossil fuels trap carbon?
plants and animals die to form layers of sediment. over millions of years form coal, oil and gas, trapping carbon in them
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6. how does limestone trap carbon?
the shells and skeletons of marine life contains calcium carbonate. these form limestone sedimentary rock
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7. How did oxygen levels increase?
Green plants and algae produced oxygen during photosynthesis. this enabled animals to evolve
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8. what is the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis
6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) ------> C6H12O6(aq) + 6O2(g) carbon dioxide+water--> glucose +oxygen
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9. What is today's atmosphere like?
~78% nitrogen, ~20% oxygen, ~1% noble gasses (argon), ~0.04% Carbon dioxide, traces of water vapour
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10. what are the greenhouse gasses?
methane, carbon dioxide, water vapour , act as an insulating layer, allowing the earth to be warm enough to support life
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11. what is the greenhouse affect? *revise more
short wavelength radiation (UV) from the sun warms up the earth, which re-radiates long wave radiation (infrared) which is absorbed by the greenhouses gases
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12. How do humans increase the amount of greenhouse gases?
deforestation causes less carbon dioxide to be absorbed. Burning fossil fuels releases CO2. Farm animals release methane. Landfills release carbon dioxide and methane as waste decomposeses
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13. what are the consequences of climate change?
increase in global temperature, melting of ice caps causing sea levels to rise, causing coastal flooding, or major draught, lack of food production and famine. frequency and severity of storms will increase
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14. what is carbon footprint?
a measure of how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is released over the life time of a product
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15. how can we reduce our carbon footprint?
use renewable energy sources or nuclear fuel. use more efficient processes and cut down on waste. Capture carbon dioxide before it is released. goverments tax companies based on amount of carbon dioxide they emitt
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16. What is complete combustion? (burning)
plenty of oxygen burn to produce co2 and water
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17. what is incomplete combustion
when there is not enough oxygen, CO or C is produced instead
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18. What problems can particulate called? (carbon)
global dimming, build up of black on buildings, respiratory issues
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19. what problems can sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides casuse?
sulphur is an impurity of carbon. gases produced when fuels burn. when these gases mix with clouds it forms acid rain. this can kill plants and damage buildings
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Card 2

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2. what was the earth's early atmosphere like?

Back

it was mainly carbon dioxide, no oxygen. Volcanoes also released nitrogen, water vapour, methane and ammonia. Similar to mars and Venus today

Card 3

Front

3. how did the oceans form?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

4. How did carbon dioxide get removed from the atmosphere?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

5. How do fossil fuels trap carbon?

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