What is the earth's atmospheric composition? How has that changed over time?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for information about the composition of Earth's atmosphere and how it has changed over time. This involves discussing the different gases present in the atmosphere and their historical variations.
Answer
Nitrogen, oxygen, and argon are most common; more CO2 and methane now due to human activity.
The earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and argon (0.93%), with trace amounts of other gases including carbon dioxide. Over time, especially since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, which have altered the atmospheric composition.
Answer for screen readers
The earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and argon (0.93%), with trace amounts of other gases including carbon dioxide. Over time, especially since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly increased greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, which have altered the atmospheric composition.
More Information
The increase in greenhouse gases due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation has contributed to climate change. Previously, Earth's atmosphere underwent significant transformations, such as the rise of oxygen about 2 billion years ago.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the impact of human activities on increasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
Sources
- Evolution of the atmosphere | History, Composition, Changes, & Facts - britannica.com
- Changes in Atmospheric Composition - NCAS - ncas.ac.uk
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