Earth and Atmosphere Part 1
Earth and atmosphere Origin and Climate Change Part 1
Recall that the gases produced by volcanic activity formed the
Earth’s early atmosphere
Describe that the Earth’s early atmosphere was thought to
contain:
a little or no oxygen
b a large amount of carbon dioxide
c water vapour
d small amounts of other gases
and interpret evidence relating to this.
Explain how condensation of water vapour formed oceans.
Explain how the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
was decreased when carbon dioxide dissolved as the oceans
formed.
Explain how the growth of primitive plants used carbon dioxide
and released oxygen by photosynthesis and consequently the
amount of oxygen in the atmosphere gradually increased
PART 2:
Describe how various gases in the atmosphere, including
carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour, absorb heat
radiated from the Earth, subsequently releasing energy which
keeps the Earth warm: this is known as the greenhouse effect
Evaluate the evidence for human activity causing climate
change, considering:
a the correlation between the change in atmospheric carbon
dioxide concentration, the consumption of fossil fuels and
temperature change
b the uncertainties caused by the location where these
measurements are taken and historical accuracy
Describe:
a the composition of today’s atmosphere
b the potential effects on the climate of increased levels of
carbon dioxide and methane generated by human activity,
including burning fossil fuels and livestock farming
c that these effects may be mitigated: consider scale, risk and
environmental implications
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