Many gases are found in Earth's atmosphere! The most abundant are nitrogen and oxygen.
Major Atmospheric Gases
The Earth's atmosphere is a complex mixture, but some gases dominate:
- Nitrogen (N₂): Makes up approximately 78.084% of the atmosphere. Source: NOAA
- Oxygen (O₂): Accounts for roughly 20.946% of the atmosphere. Essential for respiration in most living organisms. Source: NOAA
- Argon (Ar): Present at about 0.934%. A noble gas, relatively unreactive. Source: NOAA
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): While a smaller component (0.042%), it plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect and climate regulation. Source: NOAA
Other Atmospheric Gases
Besides these major constituents, trace amounts of many other gases exist, including:
- Ozone (O₃): Found in both the stratosphere (protecting us from harmful UV radiation) and the troposphere (a pollutant at ground level). [Source: NOAA and multiple other references]
- Methane (CH₄): A potent greenhouse gas. [Source: Multiple references including EPA and NASA]
- Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Another significant greenhouse gas. [Source: EPA]
- Water Vapor (H₂O): The amount varies greatly depending on location and weather conditions.
The composition of the atmosphere isn't static; it's constantly changing due to natural processes and human activities.
