Mrs. F. J. Beukes

Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog

THE ATMOSPHERE

Source of oxygen – respiration Contains nitrogen

Protein production Plant growth

Contains carbon dioxide – photosynthesis Protection against UV radiation Decrease temperature range

FUNCTIONS:

Consist of: Nitrogen (78%) Oxygen (21%) Water vapour Carbon dioxide Ozone

Held in place by gravitational

force. Most dense closest to Earth’s

surface. Density decreases with height

above surface.

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Greenhouse gases in atmosphere absorb INFRARED radiation from the sun:•Carbon dioxide – CO2

•Methane – CH3

•Water vapour – H2O•Ozone – O3

•CFC’s

Negative consequences:•Atmospheric temp. RISE•Sea level rise – ice at poles melt•Wind patterns change•Existing species are forced out of natural habitat•Coral beds are destroyed•Agricultural yields are disturbed•Ideal conditions for breeding insects

Human activities release carbon dioxide into atmosphere:•Combustion of fossil fuels•Industrial processes•Deforestation•Burning of wood•Coal mines•Waste disposal•Manure from animals•Air pollution•Aerosol containers/fridge coolants

WHAT?•Air polluted with gases…•…SO2, CO2 and Nox

…gases react with rain and dilute acids form.

CONSEQUENCES:•Lakes/rivers become

acidic•Influence tree/plant

growth•Destroy metal

structures/buildings

2. Source of oxygen for respiration.Contain nitrogen for plant growth.Contain carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.Offer protection against UV radiation.Decrease temperature range.

3.1 Oxygen3.2 Nitrogen3.3 Carbon dioxide3.4 Ozone layer3.5 Greenhouse effect3.6 Carbon dioxide, Sulfur dioxide and

Nitrogen oxides.

Atmosphere

Nitrogen (78%)

Oxygen (21%)

Water vapour

Carbon dioxide

Ozone

Other gases