Pie Chart Of The Gases In The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases that surrounds our planet Earth. These gases protect us from the harmful radiation of the sun, keep the temperature within a suitable range for life, and allow us to breathe. The composition of the atmosphere is not constant, and it changes over time due to natural and human factors. In this article, we will discuss the pie chart of the gases in the atmosphere and their importance.
The Major Gases In The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. These three gases make up about 99.9% of the total volume of the atmosphere. Nitrogen accounts for about 78% of the atmosphere, while oxygen makes up approximately 21%. Argon is present in a trace amount of around 0.9%.
Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms, and it is a crucial component of DNA and amino acids. Oxygen is necessary for respiration and combustion, and it is also used in many industrial processes. Argon is a noble gas that is chemically inert, and it is used in welding and other industrial applications.
The Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are a group of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the warming of the Earth's surface. The most important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Carbon dioxide makes up about 0.04% of the atmosphere, but it is responsible for most of the warming effect.
Methane is about 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas, but it is present in much smaller quantities. Water vapor is also a potent greenhouse gas, but its concentration in the atmosphere varies widely depending on the local climate conditions.
The Importance Of The Gases In The Atmosphere
The composition of the atmosphere is essential for life on Earth. The presence of oxygen and nitrogen allows us to breathe, and the absence of harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide protects us from health hazards. The greenhouse gases are also essential to maintain the Earth's temperature within a suitable range for life.
However, the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation is causing global warming and climate change. The rising temperature is causing many negative impacts on the environment, such as sea level rise, melting glaciers, and extreme weather events.
Conclusion
The pie chart of the gases in the atmosphere shows the importance of the composition of the atmosphere for life on Earth. The major gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and argon are essential for our survival, while the greenhouse gases play a crucial role in maintaining a suitable temperature range. However, the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases is causing global warming and climate change, and it is a significant challenge that we need to address.
