BUT IT SHOULD BE NOTED that this is the composition of DRY air. Water vapor can theoretically take up anywhere from almost 0 to nearly 7 percent of air volume (but it's never been measured that high). All other components are reduced proportionally.
The density of Earth's atmosphere decreases with altitude. As you move higher up in the atmosphere, there are fewer molecules of gases present, leading to lower density.
As you travel higher in Earth's atmosphere, the composition of gases changes in terms of their concentration. Oxygen, nitrogen, and argon are the most abundant gases in the lower atmosphere, while the percentage of oxygen decreases and other gases like helium and hydrogen become more prevalent in the upper atmosphere. The overall pressure also decreases with altitude, causing the air to become less dense.
Biosphere
The Earth's atmosphere is primarily heated by the Sun. Solar radiation warms the Earth's surface, which in turn radiates heat back into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap some of this heat, leading to the Earth's overall warming.
The gradual increase of the average air temperature in the Earth's lower atmosphere is called global warming. This phenomenon is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and an overall rise in temperatures.
The density of Earth's atmosphere decreases with altitude. As you move higher up in the atmosphere, there are fewer molecules of gases present, leading to lower density.
Nitrogen and Oxygen
As you travel higher in Earth's atmosphere, the composition of gases changes in terms of their concentration. Oxygen, nitrogen, and argon are the most abundant gases in the lower atmosphere, while the percentage of oxygen decreases and other gases like helium and hydrogen become more prevalent in the upper atmosphere. The overall pressure also decreases with altitude, causing the air to become less dense.
Solar radiation leaves Earth's atmosphere through a process called reflection and absorption. Some of the radiation is reflected back into space by clouds, gases, and particles in the atmosphere. The remaining radiation is absorbed by the surface of the Earth, where it is converted into heat energy.
Biosphere
Upper Part
The Earth's atmosphere is primarily heated by the Sun. Solar radiation warms the Earth's surface, which in turn radiates heat back into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap some of this heat, leading to the Earth's overall warming.
The gradual increase of the average air temperature in the Earth's lower atmosphere is called global warming. This phenomenon is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the trapping of heat and an overall rise in temperatures.
If there were no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Earth's average temperature would be significantly colder. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere, helping to keep the planet warm. Without them, Earth's surface would not retain as much heat from the sun, resulting in much lower temperatures.
Without life, Earth's atmosphere would lack oxygen, as it is primarily produced by photosynthetic organisms. The composition of gases would likely be primarily nitrogen and carbon dioxide, similar to the early Earth's atmosphere. There would also be fewer greenhouse gases, leading to lower temperatures on the planet.
Nitrogen and Oxygen
Oxygen makes up about 21% of Earth's lower atmosphere by volume.