The atmosphere is called the layer formed by gases that covers the planets and satellites of the universe, however, not all atmospheres are the same, because their composition varies depending on the characteristics of the planet they cover. It should be noted that the composition of the Earth's atmosphere is unique in the Solar System and, although today we have access to a large amount of information about its structure and functions, at Ecologista Verde we are sure that we can still surprise you, giving you to know some scientific curiosities about the atmosphere that you surely did not know.
If the atmosphere did not exist we would evaporate
The atmosphere exerts pressure on our surroundings and on ourselves, specifically, it exerts a pressure of 1.03 kg / cm² above sea level. This pressure is what prevents our body fluids from evaporating. If the Earth's atmosphere did not exist, this pressure would not exist either, so our blood would be capable of causing damage to our cardiovascular system.
It is responsible for rainfall
It is in one of the layers of the atmosphere, the troposphere, where most of the particles and gases are kept in suspension. Among these particles and gases we find water vapor. It is precisely thanks to the water vapor suspended in the troposphere that clouds may form and subsequently give rise to atmospheric phenomena like rainfall.
Maintains the planet's temperature
It is an excellent regulator since prevents the sun's rays from scorching us during the day and freeze at night. This is because, on the one hand, the ozone contained in the stratosphere, one of the highest layers of the atmosphere, absorbs ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun, preventing it from damaging us. On the other hand, carbon dioxide and water vapor prevent those sun rays that enter the surface from escaping, retaining enough heat so that the temperature of the planet is more or less stable.
Precisely in this way it is understood why the ozone layer is so important, on the other hand, the great problems that its loss entails are also understood.
Protects us from meteorites
Every day a large number of solid bodies such as meteorites from space, reach the atmosphere. most of which disintegrate in the mesosphere without reaching the surface of the earth. Its disintegration is due to the friction force that occurs between the meteorite and the mesosphere, giving rise to the phenomenon known as shooting stars.
Provides color
The light from the sun's rays is white. It is the result of the interaction with the atmosphere that produces the characteristic bluish color of the sky, as well as the yellow, orange and reddish tones typical of sunsets. That we perceive one or another color, depends on different wavelengths of the colors and of the particles of dust, ash or water vapor that exist in the atmosphere. In fact, it is the composition of the air that makes the blue wavelength most visible.
It allows us to communicate
The air in the atmosphere is a excellent sound conductor, which allows our communication, since without the existence of the atmosphere the sound waves could not spread and we could not perceive the sounds or propagate them. Besides, the ionosphere It has a great influence on the reflection of radio waves, allowing them to travel greater distances than they would on the earth's surface.
Its composition is perfect for our survival
The conditions and composition of the earth's atmosphere are what make life possible. Thus, it is composed of oxygen and nitrogen for the most part, with other gases that are in a smaller proportion such as hydrogen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone and noble gases. Each of which has a specific properties and characteristics that allow our existence:
- The Oxigen: it is an essential element for life, used by animals, plants and other organisms to breathe and for the proper functioning of your body, since it plays a fundamental role in many metabolic reactions. It is found in the atmosphere in just the right amount and adequate for us to survive, so that a decrease in atmospheric oxygen would imply the deficiency of this element in our brain and with it different associated problems such as excess sleep or loss of consciousness. On the other hand, higher amounts would imply the combustion of most of the vegetation.
- Nitrogen: this element, like oxygen, is essential for life. Animals, plants, and other organisms need nitrogen for protein synthesis and nutrition.
- Carbon dioxide: it prevents the earth from cooling and helps to maintain the planet's temperature. However, its increase produces the opposite effect, giving rise to the well-known global warming, which is magnified by human action and that, therefore, we must avoid.
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