Chapter 11 - Atmosphere

Atmospheric Conditions About 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere is composed of nitrogen and oxygen The remaining 1% consists of argon, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapor and gases

Key Atmospheric Gases The amount of water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere depending on location Water vapor is the source of clouds, rain, and snow Water is the only substance that exists in 3 states The atmosphere also contains tiny solids Dust is carried there by wind, salt is picked up from ocean spray (these play a role in cloud formation)

Ozone Ozone (O3) exists in small quantities in a layer well above Earth’s surface It absorbs UV radiation