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Chemistry of the Atmosphere (Proportion of Gases in Earth's Atmosphere…
Chemistry of the Atmosphere
Proportion of Gases in Earth's Atmosphere
78% Nitrogen
21% Oxygen
0.04% Carbon Dioxide
<1% Argon
<1% Other Gases
Noble Gases
Water Vapour
Nitrogen
Key component of proteins
Abundant in the atmosphere
Producers at base of food chain cannot absorb nitrogen directly from atmospere
Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapour
Greenhouse gases
Absorb then re-radiate heat energy reflected off Earth's surface
If greenhouse effect too strong, it can lead to global warming
Oxygen
Reactant in respiration
Humans breathe oxygen into lungs
Diffuses into blood and carries into all cells
Early Existence - Volcanoes
1st billion years: Highly active volcanoes populated surface
Frequently erupted
Released carbon dioxide
Scientists think carbon dioxide dominated early atmosphere
Later Existence - Oceans
Volcanic activity also released nitrogen, water vapour, methane and ammonia
Formation of oceans removed carbon dioxide from atmosphere
Some dissolved carbon dioxide reacted with seawater to produce carbonate precipitates