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What is the role of nitrogen in the atmosphere?
It is the most abundant gas, serving as the atmosphere's main structural component.
Why is oxygen essential for life?
It is necessary for respiration and is produced by photosynthesis.
How does water vapor affect weather patterns?
It contributes to humidity, cloud formation, and precipitation.
What is the impact of increased greenhouse gases?
They trap more heat, leading to increased global temperatures and climate change.
How does the ozone layer protect life on Earth?
It absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Why does temperature increase with altitude in the stratosphere?
Due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer.
What causes temperature to decrease with altitude in the troposphere?
As air rises, it expands and cools due to decreasing pressure.
What is the significance of the thermosphere?
It traps ions and particles from the sun, contributing to phenomena like auroras.
What is the role of the exosphere?
It is the interface between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, where satellites orbit.
How do human activities affect the concentration of greenhouse gases?
Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
What is denitrification?
The process where nitrogen is released back into the atmosphere.
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
What is the ozone layer?
A region in the stratosphere containing high concentrations of ozone, protecting Earth from UV radiation.
What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons; compounds that deplete the ozone layer.
What is the troposphere?
The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather occurs.
What is the stratosphere?
The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.
What is the mesosphere?
The layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, characterized by decreasing temperature with altitude.
What is the thermosphere?
The layer of the atmosphere above the mesosphere, characterized by increasing temperature with altitude.
What is the exosphere?
The outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, merging with space.
What is the effect of burning fossil fuels on the atmosphere?
It increases the concentration of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, leading to global warming.
What is the impact of CFCs on the ozone layer?
CFCs deplete the ozone layer, reducing its ability to absorb UV radiation.
What is the effect of deforestation on atmospheric CO2 levels?
Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2, leading to higher atmospheric concentrations.
What is the consequence of increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface?
Increased risk of skin cancer, damage to ecosystems, and harm to marine life.
What is the effect of increased methane emissions from agriculture?
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so increased emissions contribute to global warming.
What is the environmental consequence of global warming?
Melting ice caps, rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems.
What is the impact of increased nitrous oxide emissions?
Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas, intensifying global warming.
What is the effect of air pollution on human health?
Respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.
What is the impact of climate change on biodiversity?
Habitat loss, species extinction, and altered ecosystems.
What is the effect of increased CO2 on ocean acidity?
Increased CO2 absorption leads to ocean acidification, harming marine life.