GEOG 1F91 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Argon, Inert Gas, Cloud Condensation Nuclei
18 Feb 2016
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1st atmosphere = + 4 bya (he & h) O2 continues to rise to current levels. Mix of odourless, colourless, tasteless gasses think of it as a soup . 1920"s finding smaller concentrations (small and variable) Nitrogen (n) inert gas; exhale as we breathe; bacteria fix n from air; bacteria also release it from waste; Oxygen (o2) by product of photosynthesis; essential for life; chemically active (oxidation); respiration. Argon (ar) non reactive gas; unusable for life processes; mine from atmosphere (lasers) Carbon dioxide (co2) by product respiration; small %; ghg; annual fluctuations due to differences in photosynthesis. Aerosols and particulate matter (natural and anthropogenic) Local settle or precipitate out (days to weeks) Vertical structure of the atmosphere: gaseous composition. Heterosphere (+80 km) not uniform gases form distinct layers. Homosphere (0 -80 km)-blend of gases nearly uniform: function. Lonosphere +60 km (>1% mass) = absorb cosmic/gamma rays daytime. E. g. cfc"s (aerosol cans/refrigeration) designed to be stable.
