Oxygen is primarily made in nature through photosynthesis, a process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. These organisms use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process has been ongoing since early microorganisms produced oxygen, gradually creating the oxygen-rich atmosphere that exists today. Oxygen is the most abundant … Read more
Oxygen is vital for humans because it enables cells to produce the energy needed to survive and perform all bodily functions. When we breathe in, oxygen enters the bloodstream, travels to the cells, and is used to break down food for energy. The body’s waste product from this process, carbon dioxide, is then carried back … Read more
All life requires nitrogen compounds, e.g., proteins and nucleic acids. Air, which is 79% nitrogen gas (N2), is the major reservoir of nitrogen. But most organisms cannot use nitrogen in this form. Plants must secure their nitrogen in “fixed” form, i.e., incorporated in compounds such as: nitrate ions (NO3−), ammonium ions (NH4+) and urea (NH2)2CO. … Read more
The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Most of the mass (about 75-80%) of the atmosphere is in the troposphere. Most types of clouds are found in the troposphere, and almost all weather occurs within this layer. The troposphere is by far the wettest layer of the atmosphere (all of the other layers … Read more
Due to the water cycle, the amount of water in the air is constantly changing. The lower troposphere can contain up to 4% water vapor (H2O) in areas near the tropics, while the poles contain only trace amounts of water vapor. The concentration of water vapor decreases drastically with altitude. The upper troposphere has less … Read more
