EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

CHEMicals in the Atmosphere

• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Methane
• Carbon Dioxide
• Water Vapor
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide

The atmosphere basically traps all oxygen in, preventing it from escaping. Without the atmosphere we would not be able to survive, because all of our oxygen would gradually leak away. They also trap heat in, keeping us nice and warm down here on Earth.

Untitled Slide

The atmosphere is super-thin for such a crucial element to survival, it is no thicker in it's best places than half a centimeter! It is a small but major important component of our planet, and is essential to organic life.

Many of you may wonder.."How does the atmosphere get the energy to do all this?" Well, the Sun is actually the atmosphere's major supplier. Two things happen when the sun's light hit the atmosphere, it either reflects back into space, or it is absorbed, and heats the world.

You cannot physically, 'see' the atmosphere. It is composed of virtually invisible gases, with the exception of the nitrogen and methane mixed with oxygen which makes the sky look blue.

Light brought down to earth is actually a type of radiation. Radiation is energy that travels across distances in the form of certain waves. Visible radiation can be absorbed.

Layers of the Atmosphere

• Troposphere
• Stratosphere
• Mesosphere
• Thermosphere

The ozone layer

Ozone can be destroyed, via heavy pollution, or CFC's chlouroflourocarbons. Which are fortunately now outlawed in the US after heavy protests.

GreenHouse gases

Pollution is destroying our atmosphere. The more pollutants we pump into the air, the quicker the ozone layer dissipates. Once it's gone, it's gone forever, leaving us in permanent danger.

THANKS FOR WATCHING US PRESENT TERRIBLY KIDS