The Earth’s Atmosphere

The Earth's Atmosphere

This page covers:

Atomosphere, greenhouse gases, climate change, atmospheric pollutants

Key Words

Phase 1 - the first billion years. The volcanoes erupted and realeased gases which formed our early atmosphere. It contained mostly carbon dioxide.

Phase 2 - water vapour formed oceans which dissolved most of the carbon dioxide. .

Phase 3 - green plants and algae absorbed carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They produced oxygen and over time more complex life (animals) could evolve.

Greenhouse gases - gases in the atmosphere which help keep the warm energy in.

Global Warming - when the Earth heats up because of the increasing levels of greenhouse gases.

Climate change - the Earth weather patterns change and remain in place for an extended period of time.

Deforestation - the clearing of forests. Can cause:

  • More CO2┬áin the atmosphere which can lead to global warming.
  • More CO2┬áis released from the burning of trees.
  • Less biodiversity, species becoming extinct when their homes are destroyed.

Carbon footprint - a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is released over the full life cycle of something or doing something.

Fossil fuels - natural resources that from underground over millions of years.

Also see Energy resources, Biodiversity


 

KS3 - The Earth recap

Links for learning

Websites  Videos  Games  Quizzes

BBC Bitesize - Earth and the environment

Revision Tips

Find out what kind of learner you are and the best revision techniques for you.
Visit our Revision Tips page for more.


Chemistry Revision Buddy Shop

For even more products visit our full Chemistry Shop