You should be able to:

• Describe the Earth’s early atmosphere

• Describe a theory for the development of the Earth’s atmosphere

• Explain, using word equations, how gases were formed in the early atmosphere and how the oceans were formed.

Study Resources:

Basics

Winchcombe meteorite bolsters Earth water theory

You should be able to:

• Describe how levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were reduced.

• Give the composition of dry air.

• Use word equations to show how carbon dioxide can form sedimentary rocks.

• Use balanced symbol equations to show how carbon is locked in sedimentary rocks and how ammonia and methane were removed from the atmosphere.

Study Resources:

Basics

History of the atmosphere/changing atmosphere assignment

You should be able to:

• Name three greenhouse gases

• Describe and explain the greenhouse effect

• Explain how human activities can change the proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

• Evaluate evidence to suggest if global warming is man made or natural.

Study Resources:

Basics

Greenhouse gases & climate change assignment

Reducing carbon dioxide levels

News: "Growing doubts over chip fat biofuel"

News: "Carbon capture: What is it and how does it fight climate change?"

News: Can ‘enhanced rock weathering’ help combat climate change?

News: The festivals searching for greener ways to rock

You should be able to:

• Describe how carbon monoxide and soot (carbon) can be made from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.

• Explain how sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are made when fossil fuels are combusted.

• Describe the health impacts of atmospheric pollutants.

• Evaluate the negative social, economic, and environmental consequences of atmospheric pollution.

Study Resources:

Basics

Air pollution: Uncovering the dirty secret behind BP’s bumper profits

Atmospheric pollutants assignment