Quick Guide to the Earth's Atmosphere

University:
Acadia University
Course:
PHYS 1013 | Introductory Physics 1
Academic year:

2025
Views:

149

Pages:

4
Author:

Nabila N.

➡ Env = “surroundings” (Fr. environ) Quick Guide to the Earth's Atmosphere → natural + man-made stuﬀ → supports life → humans = main ones messing w/ env Atmosphere = air blanket ⁃ held by gravity ⁃ gases + H₂O vapour + dust ⁃ N₂ = 78% (big chunk) ⁃ O₂ ~21% (respiration) ⁃ CO₂ tiny but need for food (photosyn) ⁃ N₂ also imp for growth (fixation) ⁃ Xe = super tiny 0.00009% lol ➡ ➡ Humidity = H₂O vapour in air ⁃ near surface ↑ ⁃ from evap → → clouds + rain ⁃ hot areas / near oceans = ↑↑ humidity Greenhouse effect Condensation nuclei = dust specks → ⁃ like glasshouse (Ooty garden ex.) let clouds form ⁃ glass = lets in sun short waves but traps long waves High altitudes ⁃ in atm → CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vap → trap heat ⁃ 97% atm < 29 km ⁃ keeps earth warm (good) ⁃ ↑ alt = ↓ gases → less O₂ ⁃ clouds also trap → warm nights ⁃ so climbers carry cylinders ⁃ ➡ ⁃ ➡ Global warming (bad) ☀ Ozone Layer ⁃ earth avg temp ↑ due to ↑ GHGs ⁃ in stratosphere (~20 km up) ⁃ effects ⁃ blocks UV ⁃ ice melt → sea lvl rise rays (shield) ⁃ depletion ⁃ ocean eco messed ⁃ skin probs (cancer, cataracts, ageing) ⁃ crops fail, food shortage ⁃ crop failure, eco chain broken ⁃ animals + ppl struggle (heat, migration ⁃ climate issues etc.) ⁃ protect ozone!! CFCs " KEY : ⁃ Atmos = gases (N₂, O₂, CO₂) ⁃ Humidity = evap → clouds → rain ⁃ GHG = CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vap ⁃ GW = temp ↑, ice melt, food crisis ⁃ Ozone = UV shield, protect it