The Atmosphere

What is the atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided is made primarily of 3 main components; a layer of gasses, water vapor, and particles that all surround the earth. These things are held close to the earth’s surface by the earth’s gravity. The atmosphere is very important to earth. It regulates heat, which means it keeps the temperatures on earth pretty consistent.

Current atmosphere Photosynthesis is used by autotrophs to make energy and oxygen. That oxygen is used to create a very important gas called ozone. Ozone gasses exist in a layer and absorb harmful UV rays from the sun allowing plants and animals to survive on Earth.

Gasses Water vapor Particles 78% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen O2 Carbon dioxide CO2 All other gasses Water vapor Water in the form of a gas It is not steam!! Particles Dust Salt Smoke Can come from humans or nature COMPOSITION

IMPORTANCE The atmosphere on earth make it possible for living things to survive here. It holds in the heat we need. (greenhouse effect) IT provides gasses that living things need to survive. It protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays. It protects us from meteors and other space debris.

POLLUTANTS -harmful substances in the air, water, or soil. Harmful things in the atmosphere can come from NATURE or from HUMANS

Use the following images to decide the types of air pollution and write it in the correct category on your paper.

P ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

C __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ O __ __ S__ F __ __ __ __

D __ __ T S __ __ __ __ __

F __ __ M __ __ __

__ __ L __ __ __ __ __ S

M __ __ __

A __ __ O__ __ B __ __ __ S

__ A __ T __ __ __ E __

The NUMBER 1 cause of air pollution on earth. Burning FOSsil fuels The NUMBER 1 cause of air pollution on earth.