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C9 Revision (February) - Coggle Diagram
C9 Revision (February)
L1 - The Atmosphere
The Earth's early atmosphere was comprised of mostly carbon dioxide and small amounts of gasses such as nitrogen. These gasses were produced through volcanic activity.
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Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolved into oceans to form a weak acid. This reacted with minerals in the sea to form sediments of carbonate rock.
Some of the oceans' dissolved carbon dioxide formed shells for animals such as muscles and corals; these would eventually form limestone (removes carbon dioxide from atmosphere).
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L2 - Fossil Fuels
Coal is formed from the remains of fern and trees that die in marshy wetlands, here they do not decompose (due to a lack of oxygen or acidic conditions) and are covered with sedimentary rock over time under great temperatures and pressures.
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Natural gas is made from methane and is mainly found in oil deposits (this is because natural gas is formed from plankton).
L3 - Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a result of greenhouse gasses such as water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane building up in the atmosphere. Short-wavelength radiation enters the atmosphere (some are reflected by it also), is absorbed by the Earth and is re-emitted as longer wavelength of radiation which are then absorbed by these greenhouse molecules. This energy becomes 'trapped' in the Earth's atmosphere and increases its temperature.
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L4 - Climate Change
Methane is released into our atmosphere via agricultural processes (flooded paddy fields and cows passing wind).
Effects:
- Melting of ice caps and glaciers increases sea levels.
- More severe weather (more storms in UK).
- The distribution of insects and vectors changes.
Many scientists believe that human activity is directly increasing climate change; this consensus was established through stringent peer review.
L5 - Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon (and other greenhouse gasses) emitted over the full life-cycle of a product, service or event.
Ways to reduce carbon footprint:
- Insulating our homes.
- Using public transport.
- Renewable sourced of electricity used.
- Energy-saving appliances.
- Less beef and dairy (methane).
- Trapping (methane) emitted from landfills and burning it to generate electricity.
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