Theory question 308
Environmental Resources(a) Define atmospheric resources. (b) Outline three importance of atmospheric resources. (c) Highlight three human activities that adversely affect the composition of the atmosphere.
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(a) Atmospheric resources are the useful components of the atmosphere (gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, water vapour, sunlight and wind) that people and other living things use.
(b) Oxygen for breathing; carbon dioxide for photosynthesis; nitrogen for plants and industry (fertilizers); rainfall from water vapour; wind and solar energy; ozone layer protects from ultraviolet rays; regulates temperature.
(c) Burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, factories and generators; gas flaring; bush burning and deforestation; use of CFCs (aerosols, refrigerants); mining and quarrying dust; burning of refuse.
Name the gas and its use.