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The Earth's Atmosphere (Atmospheric Pollutants (In insufficient oxygen…
The Earth's Atmosphere
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Our Evolving Atmosphere
Approximately 80% of the atmosphere today is nitrogen, and about 20% is oxygen
There are also small proportions of various other gases, including carbon dioxide, water vapor and noble gases
Any ammonia and methane was removed by reactions with oxygen, once oxygen had been formed by photosynthesis
The formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels that contain carbon also removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Photosynthesis by algae and plants decreased the percentage of carbon dioxide in the early atmosphere
Greenhouse Gases
However, the vast majority of peer-reviewed evidence agrees that increased proportions of greenhouse gases from human activities will increase average global temperatures
It is difficult to predict with complete certainty the effects on climate of rising levels of greenhouse gases on a global scale
The amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has rise in the recent past, largely due to the amount of fossil fuels now burnt
Global Climate Change
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Despite this, changes are need due to the potential risks arising from global climate changes
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For example rising sea levels, threats to ecosystems and different patterns of food production around the world
Reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere relies on reducing the use of fossil fuels, mainly bu using alternative sources of energy and conserving energy
Atmospheric Pollutants
In insufficient oxygen, poisonous carbon monoxide gas is formed
Particulates of carbon (soot) and unburnt hydrocarbons can also be produced, especially if the fuel is diesel
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Sulfur can be removed from fuels before they are burned, or sulfur dioxide can be removed from flue gas
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When hydrocarbon fuels are burn in plenty of air, the carbon and hydrogen in the fuel are completely oxidised
At the high temperatures in engines, nitrogen from the air reacts with oxygen to form oxides of nitrogen
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