Does Earth’s atmosphere change? The current composition of the air has been roughly the same for nearly 200 million years but the amounts of different gases have changed over time. About 3,500 million years ago, the atmosphere on Earth would have been similar to the atmosphere on Mars today. It would have contained large quantities of carbon dioxide, but not much oxygen or nitrogen. What theories are used to explain how the Earth’s atmosphere changed?
How is carbon dioxide produced? The element carbon is found in all living things and moves through the environment in a chain of reactions known as the carbon cycle. In this cycle, the chemical reactions that take place during respiration and burning fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is an important atmospheric gas as it prevents heat radiation produced by the Earth from escaping into space. This is the greenhouse effect, which makes the Earth warm enough for life. However, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could cause dramatic changes to the Earth’s climate.
What is acid rain? Acid rain is rain, or precipitation, with a pH of 5.6 or lower. It is caused by the pollutants sulfur dioxide and nitric oxides. The term ‘acid rain’ was first used by the Scottish scientist, Robert Angus Smith, in the 19th century. He conducted air quality research in Manchester, one of the first industrialized cities in the world. Acid rain causes millions of pounds worth of damage to buildings in the UK each year. It is also harmful to the environment and can destroy forest habitats.
Summary of air pollutants What are the causes and effects of these air pollutants? pollutant cause effect combustion and adds to the carbon dioxide respiration greenhouse effect high temperature nitric oxides acid rain and smog combustion carbon incomplete lowers blood’s ability monoxide combustion to carry oxygen
Glossary (2/2) incomplete combustion – The burning of fossil fuels with insufficient oxygen. This produces carbon monoxide. nitric oxides – Compounds of nitrogen and oxygen that can cause acid rain and smog. particulate – A fine dust or particle found in the air. sulfur dioxide – A gas produced by the combustion of fossil fuels that can cause acid rain. smog – A mixture of particulates and air pollutants that can form in the lower levels of the atmosphere.