MARIEL I.
BONBON
GEOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS
BSCE – 2
TOPIC: ATMOSPHERE
Title: Understanding the Geological Influence on Earth's Atmosphere
Introduction: The atmosphere is a dynamic layer of gases surrounding the Earth, vital for
sustaining life and influencing geological processes.
This report explores the geological factors shaping the composition and behavior of Earth's
atmosphere.
Geological Influence on Atmosphere:
1. Outgassing and Volcanic Activity:
Volcanic eruptions release gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor into the
atmosphere. - These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, influencing Earth's climate and
weather patterns.
2. Tectonic Activity:
Plate tectonics play a crucial role in the long-term carbon cycle. - Subduction zones recycle
carbonates and release carbon dioxide through volcanic activity, impacting atmospheric CO2
levels.
3. Weathering and Erosion:
Geological processes such as weathering and erosion contribute to the chemical composition of
the atmosphere. - Weathering of silicate rocks consumes CO2, while erosion transports
sediments and nutrients into the oceans.
4. Impact Events:
Large asteroid or comet impacts can release vast quantities of dust and gases into the
atmosphere. - These events can lead to temporary climate changes and mass extinctions.
Consequences and Implications:
1. Climate Change:
Geological processes influence atmospheric composition, contributing to climate variability
and long-term climate change. - Understanding past geological events helps predict future
climate scenarios.
2. Air Quality and Pollution:
Geological sources such as volcanoes and mineral dust affect air quality and atmospheric
particulate levels. - Human activities interact with geological processes, amplifying pollution and
its impacts on health and ecosystems.
Atmosphere
Earth's atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and one percent other
gases. These gases are found in atmospheric layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere,
thermosphere, and exosphere) defined by unique features such as temperature and pressure.
1. Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the
Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) above sea level. It is where most weather
phenomena occur, including clouds, rain, and storms. Temperature generally decreases with
altitude in the troposphere.
2. Stratosphere: Above the troposphere lies the stratosphere, extending from about 15
kilometers (9 miles) to about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above sea level. The stratosphere contains
the ozone layer, which absorbs and filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Temperature increases with altitude in the stratosphere due to the presence of ozone.
3. Mesosphere: The mesosphere extends from the top of the stratosphere to about 85 kilometers
(53 miles) above sea level. It is the layer where meteors burn up upon entering Earth's
atmosphere. Temperature decreases with altitude in the mesosphere, reaching its lowest
temperatures in the atmosphere.
4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere extends from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to about 600
kilometers (373 miles) above sea level. It is characterized by extremely high temperatures due to
the absorption of solar radiation. The International Space Station orbits within the thermosphere.
5. Exosphere: The exosphere is the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the
top of the thermosphere to the edge of space. It gradually transitions into the vacuum of space
and is composed of extremely low-density gases. The exosphere is where satellites and space
debris orbit Earth.
Each layer of the atmosphere has unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in regulating
Earth's climate, weather patterns, and protection against harmful radiation from the sun.
Understanding these layers is essential for studying atmospheric phenomena and their impacts on
Earth's systems.
Life Support
-Oxygen Production - Carbon Dioxide Absorption - Water Cycle.
This illustrates the various components and layers of the atmosphere, as well as its effects on
climate, weather, air quality, protection, and life support systems. Each aspect is interconnected,
showcasing the intricate relationship between the atmosphere and its impacts on Earth's systems
and inhabitants.
Conclusion:
The geological influence on Earth's atmosphere is multifaceted, encompassing processes such as
outgassing, tectonic activity, weathering, and impact events. Recognizing these interactions is
essential for understanding climate dynamics, predicting natural hazards, and mitigating human-
induced environmental changes.
References:
Abbott, D., & Isley, A. (2002). Extraterrestrial influences on mantle plumes. Earth and Planetary
Science Letters, 205(3-4), 53-62. - Kasting, J. F. (2013). Atmosphere, composition of. In
Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (pp. 345-355). Academic Press. - Schmidt, A., et al. (2015).
Volcanic gas emissions and their effect on the Earth's atmosphere. Chemie der Erde-
Geochemistry, 75(3), 299-320.
