Archean Atmosphere Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the unit equivalent to 1 Joule?

1 kg m2/s (correct)

1 Calorie

1 kg m/s2

1 N m (correct)

Which form of energy is defined as the potential to do work?

Thermal Energy

Kinetic Energy

Internal Energy

Potential Energy (correct)

What describes internal energy in a substance?

Energy of chemical bonds

Energy stored in a gravitational field

Energy of motion

Total kinetic energy from random molecular motion (correct)

How is temperature related to molecular motion?

It measures the average kinetic energy of molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about calories is correct?

1 Calorie is equal to 4186 Joules. Signup and view all the answers

What atmospheric composition was predominant during the Archean era?

CO2 & CO ~80%, H2O ~10% Signup and view all the answers

What process describes the dissolution of CO2 in water to form carbonic acid?

Chemical Weathering Signup and view all the answers

Why did oxygen levels not build up significantly before 2.3 Ga?

Mineral oxidation and biological activity depleting O2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for the rate at which carbon is being transferred from one reservoir to another?

Flux Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an anthropogenic source of carbon?

Deforestation Signup and view all the answers

What event marked a dramatic increase in oxygen levels around 2.4-2.1 Ga?

The Great Oxidation Event Signup and view all the answers

How much carbon is stored in the atmosphere, according to the data?

589 GtC Signup and view all the answers

How was CO2 primarily removed from the atmosphere during the Archean?

Used in the formation of carbonate rocks Signup and view all the answers

Which process dominates the carbon exchange cycle between land and atmosphere?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Net Flux' refer to in the context of carbon reservoirs?

Sum of all sources and sinks Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent of 1 GtCO2 in GtC according to the conversion factor provided?

0.27 GtC Signup and view all the answers

How does carbon move from land to the ocean?

River runoff Signup and view all the answers

What is the measurement unit commonly used for flux in carbon cycling?

ppm per year Signup and view all the answers

What does the First Law of Thermodynamics state?

Energy can only change forms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the change in internal energy?

Internal Energy = Mass * Specific Heat * Temp.Change Signup and view all the answers

Why does beach sand get hotter than water on a sunny day?

Sand can reach higher temperatures due to lower heat capacity. Signup and view all the answers

How is temperature related to internal energy?

Temperature is a measure of the average internal kinetic energy of particles. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the concept of energy conservation?

Energy can change forms but the total amount remains constant. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes cold air to be trapped near the surface on cold, clear nights?

Absence of vertical mixing due to low wind Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of heat transfer associated with hot air rising and cold air sinking?

Convection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios describes advection?

Cold air moving horizontally across a warm surface Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the latent heat of vaporization have on the environment?

It releases heat when water vapor condenses Signup and view all the answers

How much latent heat is required for water to change from liquid to vapor?

$2.25 \times 10^6$ J/kg Signup and view all the answers

When does convection not occur in the atmosphere?

When the most buoyant air is already at the top Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between latent heat and phase changes of water?

Latent heat is released when a substance becomes more ordered Signup and view all the answers

What role does latent heat play in evaporation?

It provides energy to convert liquid into vapor Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth's Mantle and Atmosphere

Early Earth's mantle likely had lower oxidation levels, resulting in more abundant H2 and CO.
The Archean atmosphere (4.0 – 2.5 Ga) built upon conditions at the end of the Hadean; significant atmospheric factors included volcanic activity.
Archean atmosphere composition:
- CO2 & CO: ~80%
- H2O: ~10%
- N2: ~10%
The high concentration of CO2 resulted in surface temperatures reaching approximately 85°C.

Carbon Dioxide Changes

Chemical weathering processes led to CO2 dissolving in water, forming carbonic acid, which reacted with silicate rocks.
CO2 is transported to oceans, utilized by plankton, ultimately contributing to sedimentary rock formation.
Plate tectonics recycle carbonates back into Earth's mantle, influencing carbon levels.

Oxygen Levels and the Great Oxidation Event

Pre-2.5 Ga, atmospheric oxygen levels were less than 0.1%.
A significant increase in oxygen occurred around 2.4-2.1 Ga, termed the "Great Oxidation Event."
Oxygen accumulation was hindered by processes like mineral oxidation and biological activity.

Carbon Cycle Fundamentals

Earth is a closed system for carbon, with no external transport; its carbon budget can be expressed in reservoirs and fluxes.
Carbon reservoirs:
- Atmosphere: 589 GtC
- Ocean: 50,000 GtC
- Soils/Veg: 2,500 GtC
- Permafrost: 1,700 GtC
- Fossil Fuels: 1,700 GtC
Carbon fluxes result from photosynthesis, respiration, and physical processes between atmosphere, ocean, and land.

Forms of Energy

Potential energy is defined as the capability to perform work.
Kinetic energy refers to energy associated with motion.
Internal energy is linked to the random motion of atoms and molecules; it correlates with temperature.

Temperature and Internal Energy

Temperature gauges the average kinetic energy of molecules; higher speeds indicate higher temperatures.
Internal energy differs from temperature—Lake Mendota and hot coffee may exhibit different internal energy levels despite temperature readings.

Thermodynamics and Energy Conservation

The First Law of Thermodynamics states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
Application of the law: Energy changes in internal energy are linked to heat added or work done by a system.

Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Convection involves heat transfer through fluid motion; stable situations hinder convection.
Advection describes heat transfer horizontally within fluids.

Latent Heat Concept

Latent heat signifies the heat required for a substance to change phases.
Latent heat of vaporization for water: 2.25 x 10^6 J/kg; latent heat of fusion: 3.34 x 10^5 J/kg.
Phase changes of water, such as evaporation, consume energy from the environment, altering the internal energy balance.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the composition and characteristics of the Archean atmosphere. This quiz covers the atmospheric changes from the Hadean to the Archean and the roles of various gases present during that time period. Challenge yourself with questions about the levels of CO2, H2O, and other gases in the early Earth.